Beyond Plant Microbiome Composition: Exploiting Microbial Functions and Plant Traits via Integrated Approaches
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, vol. 8, pp. 896
Abstract
Plants recruit specific microorganisms to live inside and outside their roots that provide essential functions for plant growth and health. The study of the microbial communities living in close association with plants helps in understanding the mechanisms involved in these beneficial interactions. Currently, most of the research in this field has been focusing on the description of the taxonomic composition of the microbiome. Therefore, a focus on the plant-associated microbiome functions is pivotal for the development of novel agricultural practices which, in turn, will increase plant fitness. Recent advances in microbiome research using model plant species started to shed light on the functions of specific microorganisms and the underlying mechanisms of plant-microbial interaction. Here, we review (1) microbiome-mediated functions associated with plant growth and protection, (2) insights from native and agricultural habitats that can be used to improve soil health and crop productivity, (3) current -omics and new approaches for studying the plant microbiome, and (4) challenges and future perspectives for exploiting the plant microbiome for beneficial outcomes. We posit that integrated approaches will help in translating fundamental knowledge into agricultural practices.
Authors 4
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Affiliation as printed
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Feng Zhu corresponding
Chinese Academy of Sciences · Center for Agricultural Resources Research · Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology
Affiliation as printed
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
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Leiden University · Netherlands Institute of Ecology
Affiliation as printed
Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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Leiden University · Netherlands Institute of Ecology
Affiliation as printed
Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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