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Published on: October 31, 2019
Breeding for beneficial microbial associations
Ido Rog1,2, Stefanie Lutz3,4, Lukas Fesenfeld5
1Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. ido.rog@uzh.ch.
Nature Communications
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Breeding plants for beneficial plant-microbe associations (BMAs) and improving soil health can reduce synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use. This integrated approach fosters resilient agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Microbiology
- Plant Breeding
Background:
- Beneficial plant-microbe associations (BMAs) can decrease reliance on synthetic agricultural inputs.
- Traditional breeding and farming practices have overlooked traits for BMAs and often harm soil microbial diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a framework integrating plant breeding and soil management to enhance BMAs.
- To promote sustainable agriculture with reduced synthetic input dependency.
Main Methods:
- Combining breeding for BMA-facilitating plant traits with soil management practices that enrich microbial communities.
- Integrating advanced breeding technologies with precise microbial production and inoculation strategies.
Main Results:
- The proposed framework synergistically enhances plant-microbe interactions.
- This integrated approach supports the development of more resilient and productive farming systems.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening plant- and microbe-centered strategies is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
- Widespread adoption of these complementary approaches can significantly reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
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