Plant synthesized benzoxazinoids affect the maize microbiome

Plants actively shape their associated microbiomes by utilizing plant secreted metabolites. A large part of plant metabolites consists of secondary metabolites serving signaling functions, yet little is known on their influence the plant microbiome. In this study, we studied benzoxazinoids (BXs) in maize and its potential role in structuring plant associated microbial communities. Using mutants with knockout genes in the BXs pathway, we studied Bx influence on bacterial and fungal communities in roots, shoots, rhizosphere and bulk soils during early growth stages of maize.