Where do fastidious bacteria typically live in plants?

Fastidious bacteria are known for their specific nutritional and environmental requirements, which leads them to inhabit particular parts of plants. These bacteria commonly reside inside xylem or phloem tissue.

The xylem is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant, while the phloem transports the products of photosynthesis. The interior of these vascular tissues provides a protected environment with access to nutrients, making it an ideal habitat for fastidious bacteria. Their location within these tissues allows them to influence plant health and can be involved in processes such as nutrient cycling or causing diseases.

Understanding that these bacteria prefer the xylem and phloem helps in recognizing the implications they may have on plant physiology and health management strategies in agricultural practices.