Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 171-180 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 178 their symbionts, such as rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, are influenced by a multitude of factors including crop species, genotype, and environmental variables. The intricate network of microbial interactions within the rhizosphere further complicates this scenario, as evidenced by the high network complexity and extensive mutualistic interactions among rhizosphere bacteria (Shi et al., 2016). The presence of other microorganisms can modulate the fitness and symbiotic performance of rhizobia, adding another layer of complexity to these interactions (Agudelo et al., 2023). Understanding these multifaceted interactions requires a holistic approach that considers the overlapping mechanisms and their evolutionary and ecological dynamics. 7.2 Integrating multidisciplinary approaches To address the challenges posed by the complexity of rhizosphere interactions, integrating multidisciplinary approaches is essential. Advances in molecular and bioinformatics tools have significantly enhanced our understanding of symbiotic interactions in the rhizosphere (Tsiknia et al., 2020). For example, quantitative microbiota profiling (QMP) has revealed how AM symbiosis impacts the assembly of root-associated microbiota and promotes rhizobia accumulation in the rhizosphere (Ganesh et al., 2022). The use of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) has emerged as a promising strategy to study the outcomes of multiple biotic interactions in a controlled manner. By combining genomic technologies, network analysis, and experimental procedures, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular pathways and ecological principles governing plant-microbe interactions. This integrated approach can also inform the development of new technologies and practices for improving plant health and productivity. 7.3 Future research directions in tree-microbe symbiosis Future research in tree-microbe symbiosis should focus on several key areas to advance our understanding and application of these interactions. There is a need to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions, particularly those involving AM fungi and rhizobia, to facilitate the development of reliable technologies for engineering the rhizosphere (Balasubramanian et al., 2020; Ho-Plágaro and García-Garrido, 2022). Exploring the functional potential of rhizospheric microbiomes, such as those associated with invasive tree species, can provide insights into the roles of specific microbial taxa in promoting plant growth and adaptation to novel environments (Kamutando et al., 2018). Investigating the eco-evolutionary dynamics of rhizobia and other symbionts in complex biotic environments can reveal new aspects of their interactions and inform the development of beneficial inoculants for agricultural applications. Systematic and standardized studies using SynComs can help bridge knowledge gaps and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing multiple interactions in the rhizosphere (Marín et al., 2021). By addressing these research directions, we can harness the potential of tree-microbe symbiosis for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management. Acknowledgments We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. K. Jin from Instituteof Life Sciences, Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University for her suggestions on this manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Agudelo M., Ruiz B., Capela D., and Remigi P., 2023, The role of microbial interactions on rhizobial fitness, Frontiers in Plant Science, 14: 1277262. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1277262 Balasubramanian V.K., Jansson C., Baker S.E., and Ahkami A.H., 2020, Molecular Mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere as targets for improving plant productivity, Rhizosphere Biology: Interactions Between Microbes and Plants, 2021: 295-338. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6125-2_14 Bharti M.K., Siddique R.A., Ranjan K., Chandra D., and Singh N.P., 2021, Relevance of metatranscriptomics in symbiotic associations between plants and rhizosphere microorganisms, Microbial Metatranscriptomics Belowground, 2021: 59-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9758-9_3
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