Plant Microbiome: Second Genome of Plant

The field of plant–microbe interactions has seen remarkable transformation with the recognition that plants harbour diverse microbial communities—including bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses, and protists—that inhabit their roots, leaves, seeds, and internal tissues. Collectively forming the plant microbiome, these communities are often described as the “second genome of plants” due to their profound impact on plant metabolism, health, nutrition, growth, and adaptability. Recent discoveries have highlighted how this hidden microbial layer can reshape plant development, bolster resistance to environmental stresses, and influence productivity at both the plant and ecosystem levels.Current research demonstrates that plant microbiome composition is dynamically shaped by a combination of host genetic factors, growth stages, immune responses, soil characteristics, climate, and land management practices. Technological advancements in high-throughput sequencing, multi-omics, single-cell resolution, and synthetic biology have enabled deeper exploration of these complex communities and their multifaceted roles. Yet, critical questions linger regarding the principles governing microbiome assembly, stability, and function across different plant species and environments. Furthermore, translating knowledge of beneficial plant–microbiome partnerships into scalable solutions for improved crop performance and sustainability remains a key challenge.This Research Topic aims to unify research efforts that elucidate the mechanistic, ecological, and applied aspects of plant microbiomes as a “second genome.” We seek to foster cross-disciplinary discussion and innovative discoveries, from fundamental studies of microbiome assembly and plant–microbe signalling to breakthroughs in engineering microbiome-driven trait improvement and agricultural applications.To gather further insights within the rapidly developing area of plant microbiome research, we welcome articles that broadly explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:o Recruitment, assembly, and structure of plant microbiomes across above- and below-ground tissueso Functional contributions of microbiomes to plant nutrition, growth, defence, and abiotic or biotic stress managemento Molecular and genetic mechanisms mediating communication and co-evolution between plants and their microbial consortiao Advances in multi-omics, culture-independent methods, and computational approaches for profiling plant microbiomeso Strategies for microbiome engineering, targeted manipulation, and application in sustainable crops, forestry, and ecological restorationo Impacts of environmental changes, agricultural practices, and microbiome resilience across diverse ecosystemsThis Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, Opinion, Methods, Technology Reports, and Brief Research Report articles that align with these focal areas. All submitted works should conform to the author guidelines and scope of the relevant Frontiers journal and section. Topic editors: Abhinav Aeron, Mahfuz Rahman, Tofazzal Islam, Siu Mui Tsai Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76650/plant-microbiome-second-genome-of-plant