BE_2024v14n2

Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 44-55 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 46 include: Increased incidence of pests and diseases: Climate change can alter the distribution and lifecycle of pests and pathogens, leading to more frequent and severe outbreaks (Pradhan et al., 2022). Water scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation rates can lead to water shortages, affecting crop yields and quality (Shayanthan et al., 2022). Soil degradation: Extreme weather events and unsustainable farming practices can lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, and reduced agricultural productivity (Pradhan et al., 2022). Unpredictable weather patterns: Variability in weather conditions makes it difficult for farmers to plan and manage their crops effectively, leading to reduced yields and increased risk of crop failure (Jin et al., 2023). 3.3 Role of SynComs in enhancing climate resilience Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) offer a promising solution to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change. SynComs are designed consortia of microorganisms that can provide specific benefits to plants, such as improved growth, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. The role of SynComs in enhancing climate resilience includes: Improving plant health and productivity: SynComs can enhance plant growth by promoting nutrient uptake, producing growth hormones, and protecting plants from pathogens (Yin et al., 2022; Martins et al., 2023). Enhancing stress tolerance: SynComs can help plants withstand abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures by modulating plant stress responses and improving water and nutrient use efficiency (Souza et al., 2020; Pradhan et al., 2022). Stabilizing soil microbiomes: By introducing beneficial microbes, SynComs can help maintain a stable and functional soil microbiome, which is crucial for soil health and plant productivity under changing environmental conditions (Shayanthan et al., 2022; Bu et al., 2024). Reducing dependence on chemical inputs: The use of SynComs can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices (Pradhan et al., 2022). In summary, SynComs represent a cutting-edge approach to developing climate-resilient agricultural systems by leveraging the beneficial traits of microbial communities to support plant health and productivity under adverse environmental conditions. This innovative strategy holds great promise for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring sustainable agricultural production in the future. 4 Field Trials of Engineered SynComs 4.1 Overview of field trial methodologies Field trials of engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) are essential for evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience under various environmental conditions. These trials typically involve the following methodologies: Selection and design of SynComs: SynComs are designed based on functional screening of microbial strains isolated from plant-associated environments. The selection criteria include traits such as nutrient acquisition, disease suppression, and stress tolerance (Souza et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2021; Yin et al., 2022). Experimental setup: Field trials are conducted in controlled plots where crops are inoculated with SynComs. Control plots without SynCom inoculation are maintained for comparison. The trials are designed to simulate real agricultural conditions, including varying levels of nutrient availability and environmental stressors (Armanhi et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021). Data collection and analysis: Various parameters such as plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and resistance to

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