International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 195-206 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 196 1 Theoretical Foundations of Engineered SynComs 1.1 Definition and principles of SynComs Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) are carefully designed consortia of microorganisms that are assembled to perform specific functions beneficial to plant health and productivity. These communities are not randomly assembled but are structured based on ecological theories and principles to ensure stability and functionality under various environmental conditions (Shayanthan et al., 2022; Martins et al., 2023). SynComs aim to mimic natural microbial communities by incorporating multiple taxa that can interact synergistically to enhance plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and stress resilience (Souza et al., 2020; Sai et al., 2022). 1.2 Mechanisms of microbial interactions in SynComs Microbial interactions within SynComs are complex and multifaceted, involving various mechanisms such as competition, mutualism, and commensalism. These interactions can influence the overall stability and functionality of the SynCom. For instance, microbial biofilm formation, production of secondary metabolites, and induction of plant resistance are critical traits that contribute to the effectiveness of SynComs (Martins et al., 2023). Additionally, microbial interactions can modulate plant signaling networks, such as nitrogen and phosphorus pathways, which are crucial for nutrient acquisition and growth (Wang et al., 2021). Understanding these interactions is essential for designing SynComs that can consistently perform under different environmental conditions (Pradhan et al., 2022; Fonseca-García et al., 2023). 1.3 Genetic and synthetic biology approaches for engineering SynComs Advances in genetic and synthetic biology have significantly contributed to the development of SynComs. Techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and machine learning are employed to identify and select microbial strains with desirable traits (Shayanthan et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Genetic engineering allows for the modification of microbial genomes to enhance specific functions, such as nutrient solubilization or stress tolerance. Synthetic biology approaches enable the construction of microbial consortia with defined compositions and functions, ensuring that the SynCom can perform reliably in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) settings (Souza et al., 2020; Armanhi et al., 2021). These approaches also facilitate the study of microbial community dynamics and the development of strategies to maintain SynCom stability and functionality over time (Sai et al., 2022). By integrating ecological principles, microbial interactions, and advanced genetic tools, the theoretical foundations of engineered SynComs provide a robust framework for optimizing their application in CEA. This study aims to explore these foundations in detail, highlighting the potential and challenges of SynComs from theory to commercialization. 2 SynComs in Controlled Environment Agriculture 2.1 Role of SynComs in enhancing plant growth and health in CEA Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth and health within controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. SynComs are engineered consortia of microbes designed to produce specific beneficial functions for plants, such as promoting growth, improving nutrient acquisition, and enhancing resistance to environmental stressors. These communities are not randomly assembled; instead, they are structured based on ecological theories and machine learning insights to ensure stability and effectiveness (Souza et al., 2020; Marín et al., 2021; Martins et al., 2023). For instance, SynComs have been shown to significantly improve plant health by forming biofilms, producing secondary metabolites, and inducing plant resistance mechanisms (Martins et al., 2023). Additionally, SynComs can be tailored to thrive under specific environmental conditions, making them particularly suitable for the controlled settings of CEA (Marín et al., 2021). 2.2 Examples of SynCom applications in hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming SynComs have been successfully applied in various CEA systems, including hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming (Figure 1). In hydroponic systems, SynComs have been used to enhance nutrient uptake and plant
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