Rice perception of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi requires the karrikin receptor complex

Early stages of a beneficial relationship Plants benefit from widespread symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This symbiosis between plant and fungus aids plants in capturing mineral and micronutrients from the soil. Gutjahr et al. have now identified a component of an intracellular receptor, the hydrolase DWARF 14 LIKE, required in rice roots for initiating the symbiosis. A similar receptor detects karrikins in smoke that signal opportunity for fireweed to grow after a forest fire. Science , this issue p. 1521