Symbionts in Multi-Kingdom Interactions: Impact on Host Traits and Agricultural Sustainability

Studies on the widespread occurrence of microorganisms — such as endophytes, plant parasites, phytopathogens or beneficial agents — are increasingly recognizing their role, thanks to advances in investigative techniques. Emerging evidence indicates that certain functions and traits traditionally attributed to the host in the past are, in fact, mediated by associated symbionts. Despite these insights, substantial knowledge gaps persist in fully elucidating these complex interactions and in their translation into practical strategies, aimed at improving crop sustainability and agricultural ecosystem resilience.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, and short opinions that explore the biology, ecology, and biotechnological applications of endophytic and symbiotic multi-Kingdom associations, as well as studies addressing plant/ parasites/microorganism (phytopathogens or beneficial agents) and endophytes interactions. We particularly welcome contributions that address the role and overall impact of these interactions in sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative aims at advancing our understanding of endophytic microorganisms as pivotal drivers of plant health and resilience, highlighting their ecological, physiological, and molecular functions in promoting plant growth, nutrition, and suppression of parasites and diseases. By integrating cutting-edge advances in microbial biology, -omics technologies, and plant–microbiome interactions, this topic aims at fostering interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange, to support sustainable agricultural practices.Mechanisms of host–endophyte interactions, including nutrient mobilization and the induction of systemic resistance represent the main focus of this topic, including:• the role of the host–endophyte interface in shaping plant health and productivity; •the mechanisms underpinning such interactions, including metabolic pathways and genes involved;• molecular studies on endophyte and plant metabolism, including gene expression and silencing; • the endosymbionts detection and dynamics, at the field scale; • the ecology of such interactions, including rhizosphere or leaf microbiota;• the regulation of pests and pathogens, and defense genes expression in plants;• the microbiome inheritance, understanding transmission of beneficial symbionts to offsprings;• the factors affecting endophytes persistence and stability, including climate, abiotic stress, crop management, and plant genotype;• the design and conservation of long-lasting microbial consortia for field applications;• the symbionts stability as indicator of ecosystem resilience; • the plants ability to sustain key functions under environmental changes. Topic editors: Isabella Pentimone, Palmira De Bellis, Maria Alejandra Passone, Khamis Youssef PhD, PMD Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76456/symbionts-in-multi-kingdom-interactions-impact-on-host-traits-and-agricultural-sustainability