Figure 1.

Putative model of plant-mediated aboveground to belowground communication and vice versa during the induction of systemic resistance via tritrophic (insect-plant-rhizobacteria) interactions. (A) A plant under normal condition. (B) Whitefly infestation elicits plant systemic defenses against leaf and root pathogens. Chemical cues from root exudates secreted from AG whitefly infestation trigger the recruitment of beneficial microbes including saprophytic fungi, Gram-positive bacteria and actinomycetes. (C) The induction of systemic resistance by colonization by beneficial microbes confers plant self-protection against subsequent herbivore attacks.