Mycorrhizal networks transfer jasmonic acid to recruit pathogen-suppressors

Common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi interconnect neighbouring plants. New evidence from Zhang et al. demonstrates that CMNs transfer jasmonic acid from necrotrophic pathogen-infected to uninfected tomato plants, priming defence responses and recruiting disease-suppressive bacteria. These findings establish a key mechanistic link underlying CMN-mediated plant defence communication.