The soil-borne legacy in the age of the holobiont

Abstract

Future efforts to increase agricultural productivity will focus on crops as functional units comprised of plants and their associated microflora in the context of the various environments in which they are grown. It is suggested that future efforts to increase agricultural productivity will focus on crops as functional units comprised of plants and their associated beneficial microorganisms in the context in which they are grown. Scientists, industry, and farmers must work closely together to develop, adapt, and apply new technologies to a wide range of cropping systems. Consumer education is needed help grow public awareness that 'plant probiotics' offer a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to dependence on the use of chemical pesticides.

Figure 1

A primed leaf cell (upper left) under attack by bacterial pathogen (black cells) sends a cry for help to the roots, initiating defence signalling (envelopes). Roots in iron‐poor soil excrete scopoletin, enhancing niche establishment for P. simiae WCS417 (yellow cells). Illustration: G. J. Cho.