Exploring the plant microbiome: A pathway to climate-smart crops

Abstract

The advent of semi-dwarf crop varieties and fertilizers during the Green Revolution boosted yields and food security. However, unintended consequences such as environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions underscore the need for strategies to mitigate these impacts. Manipulating rhizosphere microbiomes, an aspect overlooked during crop domestication, offers a pathway for sustainable agriculture. We propose that modulating plant microbiomes can help establish "climate-smart crops" that improve yield and reduce negative impacts on the environment. Our proposed framework integrates plant genotype, root exudates, and microbes to optimize nutrient cycling, improve stress resilience, and expedite carbon sequestration. Integrating unselected ecological traits into crop breeding can promote agricultural sustainability, illuminating the nexus between plant genetics and ecosystem functioning.