Protists: Puppet Masters of the Rhizosphere Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Plant Science
• Eukaryotic Microbiology

Background:

• The rhizosphere microbiome significantly influences plant performance.
• Microbiome assembly research has primarily focused on resource-driven (bottom-up) processes.
• The role of predation in shaping microbiome structure has been largely overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of protists as regulators of rhizosphere microbiome assembly.
• To highlight the overlooked importance of predation in microbiome dynamics.
• To emphasize the need to incorporate predator-prey interactions into microbiome management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on protists in the rhizosphere.
• Analysis of protist functions, including nutrient cycling and pathogen control.
• Evaluation of predator-prey dynamics within the soil microbial community.

Main Results:

• Protists are key regulators of rhizosphere microbiome assembly.
• Protists enhance plant-beneficial functions within the microbiome.
• Protists contribute to nutrient cycling and pathogen removal.

Conclusions:

• Protists are an essential component of the rhizosphere microbiome.
• Accounting for predator-prey interactions is vital for predicting and managing microbiome function.
• Integrating protist dynamics will improve strategies for plant growth and health.