Current, faltering, and future strategies for advancing microbiome-assisted sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience

Abstract

Establishing global sustainable agriculture emerges as the primary, indispensable strategy to meet escalating food demands and address environmental preservation amidst the challenges posed by severe climate change. The intricate communities of microorganisms associated with plants, collectively termed the plant microbiome, wield significant influence over the vitality and productivity of plant species. Unleashing the potential of the plant microbiome stands as a pivotal approach to safeguard and rejuvenate our planet. However, the complex nature of microbiome interactions, coupled with their limited persistence in intricate environmental settings due to gaps in understanding or technological limitations, has impeded substantial progress in this field. This review explores innovative and revitalized strategies for harnessing microbiome-based enhancements in crop fitness. Additionally, we illuminate the challenges encountered in deciphering the intricate interplay between the microbiome and its host, particularly in the context of mitigating the adverse influences of climate change on crop resilience. To navigate these complexities, we advocate for a comprehensive approach that considers both host and microbiome-oriented perspectives. This dual-focused strategy aims to overcome current limitations and pave the way toward a future where microbiome intervention forms the bedrock of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.