Infectious disease outbreaks in plants require not only a genetically susceptible plant and a virulent pathogen, but also conducive environmental conditions. Molecular studies in the past four decades have made major strides in understanding the mechanistic bases of plant immunity and pathogen virulence. However, less effort has been devoted to addressing an increasingly important question - why climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity, have a profound effect on host susceptibility and disease development in nature. Similarly, it is not well understood if and how abiotic stresses impact plant-microbiota interactions. In this talk, we will highlight several examples of environment impact on plant-pathogen and plant-microbiota interactions. A foundational knowledge of the interplays between plants, microbes and environments is needed in order to develop climate-resilient plant immunity and to prevent harmful outcomes of plant-microbiota interactions.
