Summary
This review examines the role of the phytomicrobiome in plant disease management across agricultural, forestry and landscaping systems. It synthesises evidence that in situ manipulation of resident microorganisms through agronomic practices and microbial inoculants can mitigate plant diseases, whilst discussing methodological barriers to standardised microbiome analysis and practical implementation. The authors highlight how climate change is altering pathogen distribution and phytomicrobiome function, potentially complicating disease management strategies.
Regional applicability
The agronomic practices reviewed (minimum tillage, crop rotation, cover cropping, organic mulching) are directly applicable to UK arable and mixed farming systems. Climate change impacts on UK plant pathogens and the potential for phytomicrobiome-based disease management strategies may be increasingly relevant as disease pressures shift, though site-specific validation would be needed.
Key measures
Phytomicrobiome composition and function; disease suppressiveness and mitigation outcomes; impacts of agronomic practices on microbial communities; effects of climate change on pathogen virulence and microbiome shifts
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how agronomic practices (minimum tillage, crop rotation, cover cropping, organic mulching) and microbial inoculants modify the phytomicrobiome to enhance disease suppressiveness. It examines challenges in standardising microbiome analysis and translating findings to practice, whilst assessing climate change impacts on pathogen distribution and phytomicrobiome functioning.
Topic tags
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