A mutualistic interaction between Streptomyces bacteria, strawberry plants and pollinating bees (Nature Comms)

Some species of Streptomyces bacteria produce antimicrobial compounds that have been shown to enhance plant resistance to pathogens. Kim et al. show that his protection can extend to a pollinator.  The Streptomyces defends the plant against Botrytis cinerea and protects the bees against insect pathogens (entomopathogens). Furthermore, the beneficial microbe can enter the endosphere and move into the leaves, flowers and pollen, where it can be ingested by the bees and carried on their bodies to other plants (in this case, cultivated strawberries). (Summary by Mary Williams) Nature Comms. 10.1038/s41467-019-12785-3