International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 195-206 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 202 6.2 Safety and risk assessment protocols for SynComs Safety and risk assessment protocols for SynComs involve a multi-faceted approach to ensure that these microbial communities do not pose any harm to plants, animals, humans, or the environment. Key components of these protocols include microbial characterization, ecological impact assessment, toxicological studies and field trials. Researchers identify and characterize in detail the microbial strains used in SynComs, including their genetic makeup, metabolic capabilities, and pathogenicity potential (Souza et al., 2020; Martins et al., 2023); evaluate the potential impacts of SynComs on native microbial communities and overall ecosystem health, which includes studying the potential for horizontal gene transfer and the stability of microbial populations over time (Dsouza et al., 2021; Martins et al., 2023); conduct toxicological assessments to identify any adverse effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, soil animals, and humans (Souza et al., 2020; Martins et al., 2023); and implement controlled field trials to monitor the performance and safety of SynComs under real agricultural conditions. These trials help in understanding the long-term impacts and efficacy of SynComs in enhancing crop health and yield (Dsouza et al., 2021; Martins et al., 2023). 6.3 Ethical considerations and public perception The deployment of SynComs in agriculture raises several ethical considerations and public perception issues that need to be addressed to ensure widespread acceptance and responsible use. Ethical considerations include transparency and informed consent, ensuring that farmers and consumers are fully informed about the nature and benefits of SynComs, as well as any potential risks. This involves transparent communication and obtaining informed consent from stakeholders (Gan et al., 2022; Martins et al., 2023); Equity and access, addressing concerns related to the equitable distribution of benefits derived from SynComs, which includes ensuring that smallholder farmers and marginalized communities have access to these technologies and can benefit from their application (Gan et al., 2022; Martins et al., 2023); Environmental justice, considering the potential environmental impacts of SynComs and ensuring that their use does not disproportionately affect vulnerable ecosystems or communities (Gan et al., 2022; Martins et al., 2023). Public perception plays a crucial role in the acceptance and adoption of SynComs in agriculture. Studies have shown that consumer perceptions of new agricultural technologies are influenced by factors such as perceived benefits, safety, and environmental impact (Gan et al., 2022). Therefore, it is essential to engage with the public through education and outreach programs to build trust and address any concerns related to the use of SynComs in agriculture (Gan et al., 2022). 7 Economic Viability and Market Potential 7.1 Cost-benefit analysis of SynCom use in CEA The economic viability of using synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a critical factor for their adoption. Studies have shown that SynComs can significantly enhance plant growth and nutrient acquisition, leading to increased crop yields. For instance, the application of SynComs in soybean cultivation resulted in yield increases of up to 36.1% in field trials, demonstrating their potential to improve economic returns for farmers (Wang et al., 2021). Additionally, the robust optimization of CEA systems under market uncertainty has been shown to improve long-term economic performance, validating the economic viability of multi-mode CEA production (Cetegen and Stuber, 2021). The integration of advanced technologies such as Digital Twins (DT) can further optimize productivity and resource consumption, potentially reducing operational costs and enhancing profitability (Chaux et al., 2021). 7.2 Market trends and potential for SynCom-based products The market for SynCom-based products in CEA is poised for growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The shift towards urban and controlled-environment agriculture is supported by the need to meet food security and environmental sustainability goals (Cowan et al., 2022). The adoption of artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies in CEA, such as computer vision for real-time monitoring and autonomous cultivation, is expected to further drive market expansion (Ojo and Zahid, 2022; Luo et al., 2022). The potential for SynComs to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop yields positions them as valuable
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