Cross-inoculation of rhizobiome from a congeneric ruderal plant imparts drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays) through changes in root morphology and proteome

Climate change is impacting agricultural lands by either drought or flooding events. Here we investigated the role of the root microbiome from a drought tolerant plant to impart drought tolerance in corn. We found that by transferring the entire microbiome, corn grew better under drought conditions, and displayed less stress than control corn with its normal microbiome. The transferred microbiome of drought tolerant corn, both bacteria and fungi, was significantly different than control corn. Several fungal groups were implicated in drought tolerance. Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of the interactions between the root microbiome and the plant in enhancing drought stress.