How plants recruit their microbiome? New insights into beneficial interactions

Research on beneficial mechanisms by plant-associated microbiomes, such as plant growth stimulation and protection from plant pathogens, has gained considerable attention over the past decades; however, the mechanisms used by plants to recruit their microbiome is largely unknown.

Here, we review the latest studies that have begun to reveal plant strategies in selectively recruiting beneficial microbiomes, and how they manage to exclude potential pathogens. Key Scientific concepts of Review: We examine how plants attract beneficial microbiota from the main areas of interaction, such as the rhizosphere, endosphere, and phyllosphere, and demonstrate that such process occurs by producing root exudates, and recognizing molecules produced by the beneficial microbiota or distinguishing pathogens using specific receptors, or by triggering signals that support plant-microbiome homeostasis. Second, we analyzed the main environmental or biotic factors that modulate the structure and successional dynamics of microbial communities. Finally, we review how the associated microbiome is capable of engaging with other synergistic microbes, hence providing an additional element of selection. Collectively, this study reveals the importance of understanding the complex network of plant interactions, which will improve the understanding of bioinoculant application in agriculture, based on a microbiome that interacts efficiently with plant organs under different environmental conditions.