The Role of Rhizosphere Bacteriophages in Plant Health

Microbiomes and their hosts influence each other; for instance, the microbiome improves host fitness, whereas the host supports microbiome nutrition. Most studies on this topic have focused on the role of bacteria and fungi, although research on viruses that infect bacteria, known as 'bacteriophages' (phages), has gained importance due to the potential role bacteriophages play in the resilience and functionality of the gut microbiome. Like the gut microbiome, the rhizosphere harbors a complex microbiome, but little is known about the role of phages in this ecosystem. In this opinion, we extend the knowledge gained in human gut virus metagenomics (viromics) to disentangle the potential role of phages in driving the resilience and functionality of the rhizosphere microbiome. We propose that future comparative studies across environments are necessary to unravel the underlying mechanisms through which phages drive the composition and functionality of the rhizosphere microbiome and its interaction with the plant host. Importantly, such understanding might generate strategies to improve plant resistance and resilience in the context of climate change.