Partner or perish: tree microbiomes and climate change

• Published in: Trends in plant science 2024-09, Vol.29 (9), p.1029-1040
• Main Authors: Addison, S.L., Rúa, M.A., Smaill, S.J., Singh, B.K., Wakelin, S.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climate Change; holobiont; microbiome; Microbiota - physiology; plant–microbe interactions; Trees - growth & development; Trees - microbiology; Trees - physiology
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.03.008

Trees, as long-lived, sessile, and slowly evolving organisms, are disproportionally impacted by the impacts of climate change.Gradual and ongoing selective pressures over extended geologic timescales has provided coevolutionary opportunity for both the tree and its microbiome (holobiont) to improve tree fitness under changing conditions. This coevolution of the holobiont could infer phenological plasticity to trees to adapt to rapid climate shifts expected in the Anthropocene.Systems-based approaches founded on complex systems sciences, holobiome theory, combined with an understanding of coevolutionary history and application of suitable model systems will expose more opportunities to manipulate the holobiont and help us to grow climate-resilient trees and forests. Understanding the complex relationships between plants, their microbiomes, and environmental changes is crucial for improving growth and survival, especially for long-lived tree species. Trees, like other plants, maintain close associations with a multitude of microorganisms on and within their tissues, forming a 'holobiont'. However, a comprehensive framework for detailed tree–microbiome dynamics, and the implications for climate adaptation, is currently lacking. This review identifies gaps in the existing literature, emphasizing the need for more research to explore the coevolution of the holobiont and the full extent of climate change impact on tree growth and survival. Advancing our knowledge of plant–microbial interactions presents opportunities to enhance tree adaptability and mitigate adverse impacts of climate changes on trees. Understanding the complex relationships between plants, their microbiomes, and environmental changes is crucial for improving growth and survival, especially for long-lived tree species. Trees, like other plants, maintain close associations with a multitude of microorganisms on and within their tissues, forming a 'holobiont'. However, a comprehensive framework for detailed tree–microbiome dynamics, and the implications for climate adaptation, is currently lacking. This review identifies gaps in the existing literature, emphasizing the need for more research to explore the coevolution of the holobiont and the full extent of climate change impact on tree growth and survival. Advancing our knowledge of plant–microbial interactions presents opportunities to enhance tree adaptability and mitigate adverse impacts of climate changes on trees.