Root and microbiome synergy in plant heat stress resilience: epigenetic regulation as a frontier for future research

Abstract

Rising temperatures driven by climate change put crops under stress, and threaten their productivity by exacerbating both abiotic and biotic challenges. While research has traditionally focused on aboveground plant responses, the role of roots in heat stress adaptation is often overlooked. The primary objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge on how root development and root–microbiome interactions contribute to plant resilience under elevated atmospheric temperatures. The interest in this topic is driven by growing evidence that belowground traits play a pivotal role in determining plant performance under thermal stress. In addition, new findings indicate that epigenetic regulation might influence root development and microbial effects to significantly enhance heat tolerance. Additionally, we emphasize how research often underscores the importance of using experimental approaches for plant growth, whether in vitro or in greenhouses, that better replicate natural conditions, to ensure the translational relevance of laboratory findings. By integrating physiological, molecular, and ecological insights, this review offers insights for the development of more heat-resilient crops in the face of a warming climate scenario.