Underlying mechanism of plant–microbe crosstalk in shaping microbial ecology of the rhizosphere

The rhizosphere is the immediate area of soil encompassing plant roots that is inhabited by a large population of microorganisms and invertebrates, making its environment highly complex. Plants attract specific soil microorganisms using root exudates from large associations of soil microorganisms. The successful establishment of plant growth-promoting rhizospheric microorganisms is the first step in defending plants from soil-borne pathogenic organisms. Understanding rhizosphere’s unique and dynamic ecology will help in improving nutrient absorption, water use efficiency, modifying soil properties, thereby, enhancing plant growth, yield and integrating disease management strategies. In recent years, in the field of plant–microbe interaction, root exudates have received considerable importance in mediating interactions with nearby plants and microorganisms. Novel discernment of key factors framing the microbial community in rhizosphere will be very crucial in achieving sustainable agriculture. This review discusses on how root exudates play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient, signal exchange in rhizosphere and modulating changes in architecture of microbial community. We focus in particular on the influence of root exudates on positive and negative plant–microbe interactions occurring in rhizosphere and point out implicit avenues for further research.