Plant-microbiome engineering: synergistic microbial partners for crop health and sustainability

Modern-day agriculture is increasingly challenged by global climate change and anthropogenic interventions, thus threatening food security and long-term sustainability. The use of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) presents a promising approach that harnesses nature-based solutions to enhance soil fertility, food security, plant fitness and growth, mitigate climate change, and restore damaged ecosystems. Although several microbial by-products are already available in the market, many more are under development. Despite significant progress, we have yet to fully harness the potential and successful application of SynComs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in plant-microbiome research, exploring how the use of plant-microbe interactions can inform better SynComs design and success. We outline novel approaches for designing and engineering SynComs, leveraging computational modelling and high-throughput sequencing to optimise microbial interactions and enhance crop resilience. Additionally, case studies highlight the successful application of SynComs in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses, emphasizing their potential to transform modern agriculture.