The laimosphere is the microbiologically enriched zone of soil that surrounds below-ground portions of plant stems; the laimosphere is analogous to the rhizosphere and spermosphere. The combining form laim- from laimos (Greek: λαιμός, "throat") denotes a connecting organ (neck) while -sphere indicates a zone of influence. Topographically, the laimosphere includes the soil around any portion of subterranean plant organs other than roots where exuded nutrients (especially sugars and amino acids) stimulate microbial activities. Subterranean plant organs with a laimosphere include hypocotyls, epicotyls, stems, stolons, corms, bulbs, and leaves. Propagules of soil-borne plant pathogens, whose germination is stimulated by a plant exudates in the laimosphere, can initiate hypocotyl and stem rots leading to "damping-off". Pathogens commonly found to cause such diseases are species of Fusarium, Phoma, Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Sclerotinia.
The laimosphere is actively impacted by the unique adaptations that each plants employs in response to their environments, so the content of the microbial community that makes up the laimosphere is custom-tailored by each plant's individual traits and needs. These unique microenvironments vary in microbial diversity and function, and are therefore crucial for understanding how plants cope with environmental conditions. For instance, microbial communities in the laimosphere are distinct from those in the phyllosphere (the plant's aerial surfaces), with specific taxa adapted to the soil's unique moisture and nutrient availability. Different plants support different types of microbes in their laimospheres. This means that the specific conditions each plant creates (like moisture levels and nutrient availability) attract certain microbes that are best suited to those conditions.
The microbes in the laimosphere play important roles, such as helping the plant absorb nutrients and protect against stressors like drought or salinity. This interaction between the plants and their microbial companions in the laimosphere helps the whole ecosystem function better, making it possible for plants to thrive in challenging environments.
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