Summary
Published in Annual Review of Microbiology (2019, vol. 73, pp. 69–88), this review by Cordovez and colleagues synthesises current understanding of how plant microbiomes — encompassing rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endospheric communities — have evolved alongside their plant hosts. It likely addresses the ecological and genetic factors governing microbiome assembly, including soil origin, plant genotype, and developmental stage. The paper is expected to discuss the functional significance of these microbial communities for plant fitness, with implications for sustainable agriculture and crop improvement.
UK applicability
Although not UK-specific, the evolutionary and ecological principles reviewed are broadly applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems, where interest in harnessing plant microbiomes for reduced agrochemical inputs and improved soil health is growing. UK researchers and agronomists can draw on this foundational framework when designing microbiome-informed crop management strategies.
Key measures
Microbiome composition and diversity; host-microbiome co-evolutionary relationships; functional traits of plant-associated microorganisms
Outcomes reported
This review examines how plant microbiomes are assembled, shaped by host genetics and environment, and how they co-evolved with plants over time. It likely synthesises evidence on the functional roles of microbial communities in plant health, nutrient cycling, and stress tolerance.
Topic tags
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