Rhizosphere Microbiomes: Integrative Insights into Ecology, Function, and Interactions

The field of rhizosphere microbiome research occupies a key position at the interface of plant science, microbial ecology, and soil biology. The rhizosphere, where plant roots intimately interact with diverse microbial populations, is recognized as one of the most dynamic regions of terrestrial ecosystems. This complex habitat orchestrates vital biological processes ranging from nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition to the regulation of plant health and the mitigation of environmental stressors. Despite recent advances achieved through high-throughput sequencing and multi-omics profiling, significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly concerning underappreciated groups like viruses and less-studied microbial taxa. While bacteria and fungi have been the focus of much attention, the roles and diversity of rhizosphere viromes and their interplay with other microbiota remain to be fully elucidated. Emerging studies suggest that viruses, especially bacteriophages, exert profound influence on microbial network dynamics, horizontal gene transfer, and overall ecosystem function, yet their full integration into rhizosphere studies is only beginning.This Research Topic aims to advance a holistic understanding of rhizosphere microbiomes by uniting multidisciplinary research efforts to unravel the diversity, functions, and ecological significance of these communities across both natural and managed soils. The primary goal is to reveal the intricate web of plant-microbe-virus-environment interactions and their implications for plant productivity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. Key questions include how rhizosphere viruses modulate microbial populations, the mechanisms underpinning beneficial plant-microbe associations, and how multi-omics and new technical approaches can be leveraged to expand our systems-level view of this critical habitat.This Research Topic welcomes studies that span the ecological, functional, and methodological dimensions of rhizosphere microbiome research, with particular attention to system boundaries involving root-soil interfaces across diverse ecosystems. Contributions may employ a variety of experimental, computational, and multi-omics techniques but should center on rhizosphere processes. To gather further insights in this thriving and evolving field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Structure and diversity of rhizosphere microbial communitiesPlant-microbe and root-associated interactionsFunctional roles of rhizosphere microbiomes in nutrient cycling and soil healthEnvironmental and agricultural factors shaping rhizosphere microbial communitiesViral communities within rhizosphere microbiomes and their ecological rolesMulti-omics approaches for studying rhizosphere ecosystemsNovel computational and experimental methodologies for microbiome analysis Topic editors: Tasha M Santiago-Rodriguez, Gary Antonio Toranzos, Omar Ali Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79587/rhizosphere-microbiomes-integrative-insights-into-ecology-function-and-interactions