A roadmap for plant-microbiome breeding to enhance plant stress tolerance.
Shi S, Bastías DA, Wang H, Faville M, O'Callaghan M
Summary
PubMedScientists are developing a breeding strategy to improve crop plants so they naturally partner better with beneficial soil microbes to handle stress like drought and poor soil conditions. This approach could secure food production and sustainability as climate change intensifies farming challenges.
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Key Findings
Plant genetic factors that recruit beneficial microorganisms have been identified and are ready for implementation in breeding programs
Commercial bioinoculant products exist but show inconsistent field efficacy, indicating current approaches lack durability and reliability
A collaborative framework between plant breeders and microbiologists is proposed to match plant genetics with compatible microbial inoculants for lasting associations
Original Abstract
Plants constantly form associations with microorganisms, and some are vital for plant performance, especially under stress conditions. Although some microorganisms have been developed into commercial bioinoculant products, their associations with plants can be transient, and their efficacy is often inconsistent in the field. Here, we propose a framework and key research steps needed for plant breeders and microbiologists to work together to match plant genetics with compatible microbial inoculants. Recent studies have successfully identified plant genetic factors that play a role in the recruitment of beneficial microorganisms, and many associated technologies are ready for implementation towards this goal. This innovative and collaborative approach could provide novel, enduring plant-microbiome associations for environmental sustainability and food security under a changing climate.
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