Back to our roots: exploring the role of root morphology as a mediator of beneficial plant-microbe interactions

Plant breeding for belowground traits that have a positive impact on the rhizosphere microbiome is a promising strategy to sustainably improve crop yields. Root architecture and morphology are understudied plant breeding targets despite their potential to significantly shape microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere. In this review, we explore the relationship between various root architectural and morphological traits and rhizosphere interactions, focusing on the potential of root diameter to impact the rhizosphere microbiome structure and function while discussing the potential biological and ecological mechanisms underpinning this process. In addition, we propose three future research avenues to drive this research area in an effort to unravel the effect of belowground traits on rhizosphere microbiology. This knowledge will pave the way for new plant breeding strategies that can be exploited for sustainable and high-yielding crop cultivars.

Automated summary

Breeding crops with belowground traits that positively impact the rhizosphere microbiome is a promising strategy for sustainable improvement in crop yields. This review examines the relationship between root architecture and morphology and rhizosphere interactions, focusing on the potential impact of root diameter on the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbiome and discussing the underlying biological and ecological mechanisms. Additionally, three future research directions are proposed to further investigate the effect of belowground traits on rhizosphere microbiology, which may lead to the development of new plant breeding strategies for sustainable and high-yielding crop cultivars.