Influence of the Rhizospheric Microbiome in Plant Health Management

Abstract

The microbiome, a community of microorganisms that inhabit a particular environment, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of plants, humans, and other living beings. In plants, distinct microbiomes are associated with various niches—above ground (in the phyllosphere), in the internal tissues (in the endosphere), and below ground (in the rhizosphere)—of the same plant. The rhizospheric microbiome contains various microbes such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae, protozoans, and nematodes. These microbes promote plant growth by nutrient acquisition, suppression of pathogens, and alleviation of abiotic stress. This chapter reviews the function of the rhizospheric microbiome in plant health management and in sustainable agriculture.