Editorial: Plant holobiont perspective in plants disease management

Everlon Cid Rigobelo and Nicolas Desoignies

Plants interact dynamically with various microbial communities in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere. These communities receive nourishment and carbon from plants and harbor a diverse array of species, some of which are beneficial to plants. Although the microbial communities associated with plants present a high density of members, not all microorganisms are equally desirable, and only those that contribute positively to the wellbeing of plants are welcome in these microbial communities. The microorganisms chosen by the host plant have varying abilities that significantly affect plant growth. They contribute to the finesse and overall health of the plants. The host plant and colonizing microorganisms together form a functional unit, referred to as the holobiont. The holobiont of a plant is a dynamic community whose structure and composition are influenced by a range of factors, such as environmental conditions, the health status of the plant, and disruptions to the microbiome that result in an imbalance in the microbiota and decrease the positive effect exerted by these microorganisms on plants.

Certain studies have revealed the impact of the plant microbiome on plant health and productivity; however, there is a lack of information on how to manipulate these microorganisms to achieve optimal results.  

The plant microbiome comprises microorganisms that can enhance the accessibility of nutrients in the soil, optimize the uptake of nutrients and water by plant roots, and encourage root growth. Additionally, they can improve photosynthesis, resulting in increased shoot dry mass, and bolster plant immunity against pathogens and pests.

It is interesting to note that plants release various substances from their roots into the soil in a heterogeneous manner. This has two significant consequences. First, it leads to an increase in microbial diversity, as different microorganisms have their own unique nutritional requirements, and these microorganisms occupy specific niches in the plant roots, where the compounds they need are released. Second, competition among microorganisms to colonize the same niche is not universal. In other words, each microorganism competes with other microorganisms that are also vying for the same niche. This promotes high microbial diversity and allows plants to benefit from the diverse abilities of these microorganisms.

The microbial communities associated with plants provide numerous benefits and ensure a nutritional supply under a variety of environmental conditions. It is noteworthy that different environmental conditions can be advantageous for certain microbial populations but detrimental to others. However, if these communities are capable of providing the necessary nutrients to the plant, the plant will be adequately supplied, regardless of environmental conditions. This phenomenon is known as functional redundancy.  

Globally, agriculture faces numerous obstacles in its efforts to sustain and ensure food security. As a result of detrimental farming practices, several issues related to economic loss and environmental degradation have arisen. These include soil salinization, which reduces the capacity of plants to absorb water and nutrients and limits the land available for production, as well as soil contamination with heavy metals. Additionally, eutrophication promotes the death of fish and diminishes the capacity to collect water for drinking fit for human consumption. Moreover, eutrophication facilitates the spread of various diseases. The use of microorganisms associated with plants represents a promising solution to overcome the challenges faced by global agriculture. By employing these microorganisms, it is possible to reduce the expenses associated with food production and minimize the environmental consequences. However, a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between the host plant and the affiliated microorganisms is essential.

The following Research Topic discusses the use of microbes as a promising solution to address current agricultural challenges, as presented in three articles included in this Research Topic. These articles, along with the reviews and research pieces, have focused on the capabilities and effects of plant-growth-promoting microorganisms on plant development and wellbeing. In this summary, we highlight the key points from three articles published on this particular Research Topic.

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