Phytobiomes: Harnessing the Power of Microbial Communities for Plant Health
Ashwini Kumar
R. A. K. College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Sehore, (M.P.), India.
R Manisha *
Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India.
Haralakal Keerthi Kumari
Department of Agricultural Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore, India.
Neha
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
P. Kalaiselvi
ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Saloni Jaswal
Department of Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture, Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab, India.
Devansh Gupta
Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Saksham Tinna
Department of Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture, Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Phytobiomes encompass the dynamic ecosystems surrounding plants, which include a diverse range of microbial communities such as fungi, bacteria, algae, viruses, and nematodes. These microorganisms interact intricately with plants, influencing their health, growth, and resilience. Beneficial fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient absorption, while bacteria play a role in nitrogen fixation and disease suppression. Algae contribute to soil health and organic matter decomposition, and viruses, though often seen as harmful, can provide resistance to certain pathogens. Nematodes, both beneficial and parasitic, regulate soil nutrient cycles and influence plant growth. Harnessing the potential of these microbial communities offers promising solutions for sustainable agriculture. By promoting beneficial interactions within the phytobiome, it is possible to improve plant productivity, enhance nutrient use efficiency, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and pathogens. Phytobiome research aims to uncover the complex relationships within these microbial networks to develop novel agricultural practices that reduce reliance on chemical inputs. This holistic approach not only promotes plant health but also ensures ecological balance, contributing to the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems in the face of environmental challenges. Understanding the power of microbial communities within phytobiomes is key to advancing future agricultural innovations.
Keywords: Phytobiomes, biofertilizers, chemical, viruses, biology, crops, biocontrol