"Balancing Growth and Defense: Spatial Regulation of Root Iron Acquisition"

Plants have a complex interplay between regulating iron uptake for growth and nourishing non-harmful microbes while inhibiting pathogens. A recent study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of crosstalk between iron and immunity during iron deficiency, shedding light on how plants manage the competing interests of growth and defense. This involves suppressing root acquisition of iron upon pathogen recognition, highlighting the intricate relationship between plants and their commensal and pathogenic bacteria.