Native Plant Microbiomes as Functional Reservoirs for Forest and Agroforestry Systems

Plant-associated microbiomes represent a significant reservoir of functional diversity with important implications for ecosystem resilience, plant restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable plant production. Although microbiomes of agriculturally important crops have been extensively studied, native plant microbiomes from natural and semi-natural environments remain comparatively underexplored, particularly in forest and agroforestry contexts. This Research Topic aims to highlight emerging studies on native plant microbiomes as co-evolved and functionally adapted microbial partners that support plant establishment, nutrient solubilization, abiotic stress tolerance, and resistance to diverse pathogens. Emphasis will be placed on contributions that advance our understanding of native plant microbiomes from both descriptive and functional perspectives, including microbial community profiling, functional trait characterization of isolates, elucidation of ecological mechanisms, and practical applications in forest and agroforestry systems.We welcome contributions addressing: • Functional characterization of native rhizosphere, endophytic, and phyllosphere microbiomes; • Microbiomes associated with trees, grasses, and perennial systems; • Microbial-mediated plant adaptation to nutrient-poor or environmentally stressed conditions; • Bioprospecting of native microorganisms for low-input agroforestry systems; • Ecological and evolutionary perspectives on plant–microbiome co-adaptation;• Integrative approaches linking omics technologies, plant physiology, and applied microbiology. By integrating ecological theory with applied perspectives, this Research Topic seeks to advance our understanding of native microbiomes as biological resources capable of supporting resilient forest and agroforestry systems under increasing environmental pressures. Topic editors: Héctor Herrera, Márcio Fernandes Alves Leite, Haijun Zuo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78392/native-plant-microbiomes-as-functional-reservoirs-for-forest-and-agroforestry-systems