Maize Root Exudates Promote Bacillus Sp. Za Detoxification of Diphenyl Ether Herbicides by Enhancing Colonization and Biofilm Formation

Diphenyl ether herbicides are extensively utilized in agricultural systems, but their residues threaten the health of sensitive rotation crops. Functional microbial strains can degrade diphenyl ether herbicides in the rhizosphere of crops, facilitating the restoration of a healthy agricultural environment. However, the interplay between microorganisms and plants in diphenyl ether herbicides degradation remains unclear. Thus, the herbicide-degrading strain Bacillus sp. Za and the sensitive crop, maize, were employed to uncover the interaction mechanism. The degradation of diphenyl ether herbicides by strain Bacillus sp. Za was promoted by root exudates. The strain induced root exudate re-secretion in diphenyl ether herbicide-polluted maize. We further showed that root exudates enhanced the rhizosphere colonization and the biofilm biomass of strain Za, augmenting its capacity to degrade diphenyl ether herbicide. Root exudates regulated gene fliZ, which is pivotal in biofilm formation. Wild-type strain Za significantly reduced herbicide toxicity to maize compared to the Za Delta fliZ mutant. Moreover, root exudates promoted strain Za growth and chemotaxis, which was related to biofilm formation. This mutualistic relationship between the microorganisms and the plants demonstrates the significance of plant-microbe interactions in shaping diphenyl ether herbicide degradation in rhizosphere soils.