Enlightenment from microbiome research towards biocontrol of plant disease

Abstract:

Studies on biocontrol of plant diseases mainly focus on interactions among plant, pathogen, and biocontrol agents (BCAs), but ignore the role of associated microbiome of plants. Increasing numbers of studies have revealed the essential roles of plant endophytes, rhizosphere microbiota and phylloplane microflora in resistance to plant diseases. Basing on selected representative reports, we reviewed the composition of plant microbiome, its anti-pathogenic and pathogenic effects for plants, and its effect on pathogenicity of phytopathogen as well as the effect of BCAs on native microbiome. Progress in microbiome researches provides novel perspectives toward plant diseases and biological control, which will help to develop more scientific methods for plant disease management.