Missing symbionts – emerging pathogens? Microbiome management for sustainable agriculture

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Date
2023
Volume
89
Issue
Journal
Series Titel
Book Title
Publisher
[Dordrecht] : Springer Netherlands
Abstract

Plant diversification and co-evolution shaped the plant microbiome and vice versa. This resulted in a specific composition of the plant microbiome and a strong connection with the host in terms of functional interplay. Symbionts are part of the microbiota, and important for the plant’s germination and growth, nutrition, as well as stress protection. However, human activities in the Anthropocene are linked to a significant shift of diversity, evenness and specificity of the plant microbiota. In addition, and very importantly, many plant symbionts are missing or no longer functional. It will require targeted microbiome management to support and reintroduce them. In future agriculture, we should aim at replacing harmful chemicals in the field, as well as post-harvest, by using precision microbiome engineering. This is because the plant microbiome is connected across systems and crucial for human and planetary health. This commentary aims to inspire holistic studies for the development of solutions for sustainable agriculture in framework of the One Health and the Planetary Health concepts.

Description
Keywords
Anthropocene, One health, Planetary health, Plant health, Plant holobiont, Plant-beneficial microorganisms, Symbiosis
Citation
Berg, G., Schweitzer, M., Abdelfattah, A., Cernava, T., & Wassermann, B. (2023). Missing symbionts – emerging pathogens? Microbiome management for sustainable agriculture. 89. https://doi.org//10.1007/s13199-023-00903-1
License
CC BY 4.0 Unported