From the visible to the invisible – plants and their living microcosm

Plants represent a highly complex ecosystem that is colonised by countless microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Although invisible to the naked eye, microorganisms are crucial for plant health and therefore our food security.

Looking through the microscope allows us to dive into the living cosmos of plants and observe the various interactions with microorganisms. On the one hand, we find useful, symbiotic relationships in which microorganisms improve the nutrient supply of plants and protect them from diseases. On the other hand, we discover microbial pathogens that invade plant tissues and cause massive damage or even prove to be deadly enemies.

In this exhibition, scientists from the Transregio 356 PlantMicrobe research network provide a microscopic view of hidden cellular worlds. In parallel, photographs taken in the public competition ‘Plants and their microcosm’ show sections of the interplay between plants and microbes that are visible to the naked eye.