Halophytic endophytes provide transferable immune functions for crop resilience
Vassiliki A. Michalopoulou, Stefanos K. Soultatos, Savvas Paragkamian, Nikolaos Arapitsas, Theoni Margaritopoulou, Maria-Frantzeska Triviza, Sofia Kosenaki, Eleni Kalogeropoulou, Emilia Markellou, Emmanouil A. Markakis, Panagiotis F. Sarris
This study shows halophytic endophytes like Kushneria enhance crop immunity against pathogens through host immune responses and a novel RNA-NLR axis, without direct antagonism.
bioRxiv · Jul 21, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology