Plant-Derived Peptides: Bridging Plant Health and Microbiome Dynamics for Resilient Crops

This Research Topic provides a platform for exploring the innovative use of plant-derived peptides, such as prosystemin, to enhance crop resilience through microbiome modulation.As agricultural practices evolve, understanding the broader impact of these bioactive compounds on plant-associated microbiomes is crucial. Contributions may address the molecular dynamics of how peptides influence microbial communities, focusing on the shifts in diversity and network complexity that align with plant defense mechanisms. The role of specific bacterial genera, such as those within the Sphingomonadaceae family, in supporting plant stress resilience under peptide influence is of particular interest. Historical context can be drawn from traditional plant defense activation studies, while new methodologies like shotgun metagenomics and qPCR are encouraged for deeper insights. By advancing knowledge in this area, researchers can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that align with global food security goals, highlighting the potential of peptides to act as a bridge between plant health and microbiome interactions.Plant-derived peptides represent a promising frontier in sustainable agriculture, yet their potential remains underutilized. The central problem lies in the limited understanding of how these bioactive molecules mediate interactions between plants and their associated microbiomes. Current crop systems often rely heavily on chemical inputs, which disrupt microbial balance and compromise resilience. Harnessing peptides could provide natural solutions to enhance plant immunity, regulate microbial communities, and improve stress tolerance. To achieve this, research must focus on decoding peptide signaling pathways, identifying peptide–microbe synergies, and developing peptide-based formulations tailored for diverse agroecosystems. Integrating advanced omics tools, synthetic biology, and field trials will be crucial to translate laboratory insights into scalable agricultural practices. By bridging plant health and microbiome dynamics, peptide-driven strategies can reduce dependency on external inputs, foster ecological balance, and pave the way for resilient, climate-smart cropping systems.The scope of this Research Topic is to explore the multifaceted role of plant‑derived peptides in shaping plant health and microbiome dynamics, with a focus on advancing resilient and sustainable crop systems. Contributors are invited to address themes such as, but not limited to: - Peptide signaling pathways in plant immunity- Peptide–microbe interactions that enhance stress tolerance, and the development of peptide‑based biostimulants or bioformulations for field application. - Studies integrating omics approaches, synthetic biology, and systems modeling to decode peptide functions are particularly welcome. - Studies employing plant proteomics and plant structural biology in the context of peptide signaling and peptide–microbe interactions.We encourage manuscripts that bridge fundamental science with translational applications, including experimental studies, reviews, meta‑analyses, and perspectives. Interdisciplinary contributions linking soil science, microbiology, and crop physiology will enrich the dialogue. By gathering diverse insights, this collection aims to establish plant‑derived peptides as a cornerstone of climate‑smart and microbiome‑driven agriculture. Topic editors: Amitava Rakshit, Ivica Z Dimkić, Birinchi Kumar Sarma Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83869/plant-derived-peptides-bridging-plant-health-and-microbiome-dynamics-for-resilient-crops