The Gram‐positive side of plant–microbe interactions

Summary Plant growth and development are significantly influenced by the presence and activity of microorganisms. To date, the best‐studied plant‐interacting microbes are Gram‐negative bacteria, but many representatives of both the high and low G+C Gram‐positives have excellent biocontrol, plant growth‐promoting and bioremediation activities. Moreover, actinorhizal symbioses largely contribute to the global biological nitrogen fixation and many Gram‐positive bacteria promote other types of symbioses in tripartite interactions. Finally, several prominent and devastating phytopathogens are Gram‐positive. We summarize the present knowledge of the beneficial and detrimental interactions of Gram‐positive bacteria with plants to underline the importance of this particular group of bacteria.