Abstract Plants are best understood as evolutionary holobionts, in which the host and its associated microbiomes operate as an integrated unit to influence growth, health, and stress resilience. This comprehensive review synthesizes the most current knowledge of plant‐associated microbiomes across key ecological compartments, including the rhizosphere, endosphere, phyllosphere, and seeds, highlighting their assembly drivers, functional mechanisms, and translational potential. We dissect the molecular foundations of rhizobial and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses, the plant‐AM fungus‐bacterium continuum, alongside emerging concepts including the aerial root mucilagesphere, phyllosphere homeostasis, and the pathobiome. We further explore host genetic, metabolic, and environmental determinants of microbiome assembly, and present cutting‐edge methodologies ranging from quantitative profiling to artificial intelligence‐driven synthetic community design. Finally, we outline a strategic blueprint for harnessing standardized synthetic microbiomes and precision microbiome engineering to advance sustainable agriculture. This integrative framework bridges fundamental ecology with practical applications, delineating a path toward climate‐resilient crop production.
Mi Wei, Tengxiang Lian, Liying Chen et al.· iMeta· 0 citations
Bacterial-fungal interactions represent fundamental ecological associations that shape microbial community structure across diverse environments. While traditionally framed through the lens of antagonism, bacteria and fungi engage in sophisticated metabolic dialogs extending far beyond simple warfare. Both primary and specialized metabolites function as context-dependent signals, nutrient resources, and modulators of cellular processes that fundamentally influence the physiology, development, and evolutionary trajectory of both fungi and bacteria. Primary metabolites mediate mutualistic relationships through cross-feeding and syntrophy, while specialized metabolites, including volatile organic compounds, lipopeptides, and phenazines, modulate fungal physiology at sub-inhibitory concentrations, reprogramming metabolic networks and triggering adaptive responses without causing cell death. At the molecular level, bacterial metabolites regulate fungal gene expression through transcriptional reprogramming, with consequences that extend to long-term evolutionary adaptation. The complexity of Bacillus-Trichoderma interactions exemplifies how these principles translate into ecological outcomes, exhibiting context-dependent transitions from competition to synergism that enhance biocontrol efficacy, plant growth promotion, and organic matter turnover. Recognizing the multifunctional nature of microbial metabolites beyond direct toxicity opens new avenues for rationally engineering cross-kingdom consortia with targeted agricultural and biotechnological applications.
Yixu Wang, Jiyu Xie, Yicen Lin et al.· Current Opinion in Microbiol...· 0 citations
We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads.
See our Cookie Policy.
