Integrating Plant Physiology and Microbiome Engineering for Climate-Resilient Crops: Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Multi-Stress Tolerance.

Abstract

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and co-occurrence of abiotic and biotic stresses, posing significant challenges to global crop productivity and stability. Conventional approaches based on single-stress responses are increasingly insufficient for addressing complex field environments where plants experience multiple simultaneous stresses. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant physiological responses, microbiome interactions, and emerging technological interventions to develop an integrative framework for climate-resilient agriculture. It highlights how stress perception, hormonal regulation, metabolic adjustments, and epigenetic mechanisms collectively shape plant adaptation under multi-stress conditions. The review further examines the role of plant-associated microbiomes in enhancing nutrient acquisition, regulating stress signaling, and improving resilience through mechanisms such as phytohormone modulation, antioxidant activity, and induced systemic resistance. Advances in microbiome engineering, including synthetic microbial communities and computational prediction frameworks, are discussed as promising strategies for improving stress tolerance. In addition, emerging tools such as nanotechnology-assisted delivery systems and biosensing platforms are considered for precision management of plant-microbe systems. By identifying critical knowledge gaps in multi-stress physiology, microbiome assembly, and field-level predictability, this review proposes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates plant physiology, microbial ecology, and technological innovations to support sustainable crop production under changing climatic conditions.