Fruit crop microbiomes: Harnessing rhizosphere and phyllosphere dynamics for sustainable orchard health

Abstract

The complicated microbiomes that are connected to the roots of plants (rhizosphere) and the aerial surfaces of plants (phyllosphere) have a substantial impact on the health of fruit orchards as well as their productivity. The purpose of this article is to investigate the ways in which microbial populations contribute to the cycling of nutrients, resistance to disease and tolerance to stress across a variety of climate zones, with a particular focus on Indian fruit crops. We discuss the evolutionary changes that have occurred in the concepts of the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere throughout the course of time, as well as the most influential scientists who have studied in this field. Fungi and bacteria in the rhizosphere are responsible for fixing nutrients, dissolving minerals, producing plant hormones and warding off illnesses that affect the soil. On the other hand, the microbiome of the phyllosphere, which is found on the surfaces of the leaves and fruits, is comprised of bacteria and yeasts that have the ability to prevent foliar diseases, degrade hazardous substances in the environment and even produce plant hormones. We discuss the ways in which the temperatures of tropical, subtropical and temperate orchards have an impact on these communities. Methods such as biofertilizers, biocontrol agent’s organic amendments and cover crops are some of the strategies that are described in order to enhance the beneficial bacteria that are present in orchards. There are several case studies that demonstrate how to effectively use these strategies.