Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 31-38 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 33 are used to model metabolic interactions and predict the most robust community compositions (Thommes et al., 2018; Karkaria et al., 2021). These models help in understanding the dynamics of microbial ecosystems and in identifying key interaction motifs that contribute to community stability (Zomorrodi and Segrè, 2016; Choudhary and Mahadevan, 2022). 1.3 Case studies: Examples of successful synthetic microbial communities designed for agriculture Several case studies highlight the successful design and application of synthetic microbial communities in agriculture. For instance, a model synthetic community of 16 soil microorganisms was developed to promote plant growth and health, demonstrating high reproducibility and stability in both in vitro and in vivo experiments (Coker et al., 2022). Another example involves the pairing of phototrophic and heterotrophic microbes, such as Synechococcus elongatus and Escherichia coli, to create a community that supports sustainable growth and bioproduction (Zuñiga et al., 2020). These studies underscore the potential of synthetic microbial communities to enhance crop productivity and resilience under various environmental conditions (Souza et al., 2020; Liang et al., 2022). By integrating principles of microbial ecology, genetic engineering, and computational modeling, researchers are making significant strides in the design and optimization of synthetic microbial communities for sustainable agriculture. These efforts promise to deliver innovative solutions for improving crop performance and resilience, ultimately contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. 2 Functionality of Synthetic Microbial Communities 2.1 Plant-microbe interactions 2.1.1 Mechanisms of plant growth promotion Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have been shown to enhance plant growth through various mechanisms. These include improved nutrient acquisition, hormonal stimulation, and the solubilization of essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. For instance, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) facilitate plant growth by regulating hormonal and nutritional balance, inducing resistance against plant pathogens, and solubilizing nutrients for easy uptake by plants (Vejan et al., 2016). Additionally, the use of SynComs constructed from root-associated microbes has demonstrated significant promotion of plant growth and nutrient acquisition under both nutrient-deficient and sufficient conditions (Wang et al., 2021). The application of SynComs can systemically regulate nutrient signaling networks at the transcriptional level, leading to increased representation of important growth pathways, especially those related to auxin responses (Wang et al., 2021). 2.1.2 Disease resistance and biocontrol Microbial communities also play a crucial role in disease resistance and biocontrol. Beneficial microbes can suppress plant pathogens through various mechanisms, including the production of antimicrobial compounds, competition for resources, and induction of plant defense responses. For example, biocontrol microbes modulate plant defense mechanisms and deploy biocontrol actions to control plant pathogens (Rahman et al., 2018). The use of microbial inoculants, such as those from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Trichoderma, has been shown to influence plant health and suppress plant pathogens (Berg, 2009). These biocontrol strategies offer promising and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, contributing to sustainable agriculture (Rahman et al., 2018). 2.2 Nutrient cycling and soil health 2.2.1 Nitrogen fixation Nitrogen fixation is a critical process for plant growth, and certain microbes play a key role in this process. For instance, members of the bacterial genera Azospirillum and Rhizobium are well-studied examples of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that promote plant growth (Berg, 2009). These microbes convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can readily use, thereby enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
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