A few modifications in the genome turn a fungal plant pathogen into a potentially beneficial organism

Because of their sedentary life, plants have to make the most of their surroundings. To do so, they take advantage of hitherto unknown molecular mechanisms to determine what benefits them and what harms them. They also grant microorganisms access to their roots in exchange for essential nutrients in the soil. The soil fungus Colletotrichum tofieldiae serves the model plant Arabidopsis as such a subtenant when required. The plant accepts the fungus as a phosphate supplier in situations where it h