Summary
This narrative review synthesises the application of omics technologies—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—to elucidate plant-microbe interactions central to sustainable agriculture. The authors examine how these molecular approaches reveal mechanisms underlying nitrogen fixation, disease resistance, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and pathogen interactions, whilst identifying integration and ethical challenges. The review concludes that omics holds significant promise for precision agricultural interventions and resilient farming systems, though future work must address data integration, enhance technological resolution, and explore plant-microbe dynamics across diverse environmental conditions.
Regional applicability
The omics frameworks discussed are applicable to UK farming contexts, particularly for optimising soil health, crop resilience, and reducing agrochemical inputs through precision microbial management. However, implementation will require investment in analytical infrastructure and integration of omics data with UK-specific pedoclimatic and agronomic conditions. Practitioners would need to contextualise findings within UK agroecological conditions and DEFRA/AHDB guidance on sustainable intensification.
Key measures
Genomic characterisation of key genes; transcriptomic profiling of gene expression; proteomic identification of essential proteins; metabolomic profiling of small molecules in plant-microbe systems; gene sequences and expression profiles; protein identification; metabolite profiles
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised applications of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in characterising plant-microbe interactions including nitrogen fixation, systemic resistance, mycorrhizal association, and pathogen-host dynamics. The paper identified mechanisms and future research priorities for applying omics approaches to sustainable agricultural practice.
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