Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 124-130 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 128 the genetic manipulation of plant genomes to select for desirable traits. However, the principles of SynComs extend this paradigm by considering the microbial environment's role in expressing these traits. According to Souza et al. (2020), plant-associated microbiomes significantly influence phenotypic traits, such as disease resistance, yield, and stress tolerance. By strategically using SynComs, breeders can now target these microbiome-influenced traits. This approach could lead to a new era of breeding strategies where the selected microbial consortia are used to steer the expression of plant genotypes, thereby facilitating the breeding of crops with improved performance and adaptability to a range of environmental conditions. 5.2 Breeding for specific plant traits influenced by the microbiome The precise targeting of plant traits influenced by the microbiome is an innovative use of SynComs in traditional plant breeding. This process involves identifying key microbial species that interact with plant genomes to affect specific traits. For example, certain microbes can enhance nutrient uptake, promote growth under stress conditions, or increase resistance to pathogens. By incorporating SynComs into the breeding process, it is possible to promote these beneficial interactions and select for plants that not only possess the genetic capacity for these traits but also have an optimized microbiome that ensures their expression in various environments. Souza et al. (2020) suggest that designing SynComs for improved crop resiliency can serve as a blueprint for breeding programs looking to exploit the full potential of the plant microbiome . This presents an opportunity for breeders to develop crops that are better equipped to thrive in suboptimal conditions, ultimately leading to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security. 5.3 New strategies in plant breeding: microbiome selection Although plants are stationary, they have evolved unique strategies to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses through symbiosis with microbes. Plants not only select their required microbiomes from the soil but also carry a diverse microbial community in their seeds, which serves as a primary source for microbial inoculation in crop cultivation. Gopal and Gupta (2016) discussed in detail how plant microbiomes help maintain plant health and provide crucial genetic diversity, a potential that has yet to be utilized in traditional breeding strategies. Undoubtedly, selecting microbiomes will become a strategy for the next generation of plant breeding. Gopal and Gupta (2016) introduced a novel plant breeding approach through microbiome selection, developing new generation crops that rely less on inorganic inputs, are resistant to pests and diseases, and can adapt to climate changes. The authors suggest that future plant breeding strategies should consider the plant and its microbial symbionts as co-propagated partners (Gopal and Gupta, 2016). 6 Combination with Plant Cultivation Management 6.1 Sustainable application of SynComs in plant disease stress management The integration of Synthetic Microbial Communities (SynComs) into plant cultivation management offers a sustainable solution to mitigate biotic stresses faced by crops. SynComs have been engineered to enhance plant resilience against a range of pathogens by optimizing the plant's own defense mechanisms. Utilizing SynComs as a part of an integrated disease management strategy can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby minimizing environmental impact and preserving beneficial soil microbiota. This approach aligns with sustainable agriculture principles, focusing on maintaining long-term soil health and crop productivity. As outlined by Pradhan et al. (2022), the strategic application of SynComs can combat biotic stresses by reinforcing the plant's innate immune responses and inducing systemic resistance. 6.2 Application of SynComs in seed treatment Applying SynComs to seeds represents a significant advance in agricultural practices. This method effectively engineers the seedling microbiota from the very start of plant development, potentially leading to healthier and more resilient plants. The inoculation of seeds with SynComs has been demonstrated to alter the recruitment and assembly of microbial communities in both the seedlings and the surrounding rhizosphere. By doing so, it can create a more favorable microbiological environment that supports growth and combats pathogenic organisms.
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