The endophytome (plant-associated microbiome): methodological approaches, biological aspects, and biotech applications

AbstractSimilar to other organisms, plants establish interactions with a variety of microorganisms in their natural environment. The plant microbiome occupies the host plant ’s tissues, either internally or on its surfaces, showing interactions that can assist in its growth, development, and adaptation to face environmental stresses. The advance of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics approaches has strongly driven the study and recognition of plant microbiome impacts . Research in this regard provides comprehensive information about the taxonomic and functional aspects of microbial plant communities, contributing to a better understanding of their dynamics. Evidence of the plant microbiome’s functional potential has boosted its exploitation to develop more eco logical and sustainable agricultural practices that impact human health. Although microbial inoculants’ development and use are promising to revolutionize crop production, interdisciplinary studies are needed to identify new candidates and promote effective practical applications. On the other han d, there are challenges in understanding and analyzing complex data generated within a plant microbiome project’s scope. This review presents aspects about the complex structuring and assembly of the microbiome in the host plant’s tissues, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics approaches for its understanding, covering descriptions of recent studies concerning metagenomics to characterize the microbiome of non-model...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research