Unveiling the significance of rhizosphere: Implications for plant growth, stress response, and sustainable agriculture

• Published in: Plant physiology and biochemistry 2024-01, Vol.206, p.108290-108290, Article 108290
• Main Authors: Solomon, Wogene, Janda, Tibor, Molnár, Zoltán
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: abiotic stress; Agriculture; chemical communication; disease resistance; gene expression; growth and development; Interactions; metabolomics; microbial activity; microbial communities; microbiome; Microbiota; Microorganisms; nutrient availability; nutrient uptake; pests; plant growth; Plant Roots; Plants; Rhizosphere; Root exudation; soil; Soil - chemistry; soil biota; Soil Microbiology; stress response; Sustainable agriculture
• ISSN: 0981-9428; 1873-2690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108290

In the rhizosphere, the activities within all processes and functions are primarily influenced by plant roots, microorganisms present in the rhizosphere, and the interactions between roots and microorganisms. The rhizosphere, a dynamic zone surrounding the roots, provides an ideal environment for a diverse microbial community, which significantly shapes plant growth and development. Microbial activity in the rhizosphere can promote plant growth by increasing nutrient availability, influencing plant hormonal signaling, and repelling or outcompeting pathogenic microbial strains. Understanding the associations between plant roots and soil microorganisms has the potential to revolutionize crop yields, improve productivity, minimize reliance on chemical fertilizers, and promote sustainable plant growth technologies. The rhizosphere microbiome could play a vital role in the next green revolution and contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning plant root-environment interactions, particularly regarding roots and microorganisms. Advances in metabolomics have helped to understand the chemical communication between plants and soil biota, yet challenges persist. This article provides an overview of the latest advancements in comprehending the communication and interplay between plant roots and microbes, which have been shown to impact crucial factors such as plant growth, gene expression, nutrient absorption, pest and disease resistance, and the alleviation of abiotic stress. By improving these aspects, sustainable agriculture practices can be implemented to increase the overall productivity of plant ecosystems. •The rhizosphere, around plant roots, is a dynamic hub for root-microbe interactions, shaping various functions.•Symbiotic plant-microbes: Paving the way for green agriculture, sustainability, and enhanced crop yields.•Microbe-plant signaling boosts crop health via nutrients availability, hormonal signnalling, and outcompeting pathogens.•Rhizosphere plant-microbe symbiosis aids abiotic stress adaptation for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem resilience.