Challenging the term symbiosis in plant-microbe associations to create an understanding across sciences.

Effective communication across fields and disciplines relies on well-defined terminology. Standardized use of accurate definitions has been advocated by scientists across various disciplines (Tipton et al., 2019; PySek, 1995; Dubrovsky, 2022; Rillig, 2023; Rabin and Brownson, 2017). Divergent interpretations or the application of differing terminology can negatively impact interdisciplinary exchange, leading to missed information, hampered methodology transfer, and ultimately impeding progress (Sapp, 2010; Tipton et al., 2019). An impressive example of the use of multiple terms with the same interpretation is the definition of non-native or invasive plants encompassing at least 14 different terms (PySek, 1995). An abundance of definitions for the same term can be equally confusing which is thoroughly discussed in a recent review on plant root terminology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.