Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Symbiosis, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Mycorrhizal symbiosis is one of the most widespread and ecologically significant mutually beneficial interactions in terrestrial ecosystems, with decisive effects on plant nutrition, soil microbial dynamics, and ecosystem stability. Classically defined through carbon-nutrient exchange, this symbiotic relationship is now considered a more complex and multifaceted structure in current studies. In particular, secondary metabolites synthesized by plants and mycorrhizal fungi are increasingly being shown to be key chemical signals regulating the tripartite interactions between plants, fungi, and the rhizosphere microbiome. Secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids play a critical role in processes such as selectively promoting beneficial microorganisms, suppressing pathogenic or competitive species, and supporting functional microbial groups involved in nutrient cycling. Mycorrhizal colonization alters the secondary metabolite profiles of plants, is associated with shifts in the rhizosphere microbial community structure, and indirectly affects fundamental ecosystem functions such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mobilization, and organic matter decomposition. This review aims to provide a mechanistic and integrative evaluation of secondary metabolite-mediated interactions within the plant-mycorrhiza-rhizosphere microbiome tripartite system. This tripartite system represents a multilayered regulatory network operating across molecular, microbial, and ecosystem levels. The findings shed light on new approaches in terms of sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem management.