Chapter 16 - Plant health: Feedback effect of root exudates and rhizobiome interactions

Abstract

In the natural habitat, plant health relies on a relationship with numerous environmental dynamics including physical factors like soil properties, water availability, and temperature, and essentially on the complex interaction with associated microflora. Environmental stimuli to plants drive signals to the root system which releases soluble organic compounds called root exudates also referred as rhizodeposits. Root exudation is a significant procedure for assessing how plants interact with the soil environment. It majorly comprises primary metabolites (sugars, organic acids proteins, and amino acids) along with abundantly exclusive secondary metabolites which contribute to various biogeochemical processes at rhizospheres. Root exudates help the plant maintain nitrogen, iron, and other essential element balance and recruit beneficial microorganisms to sustain nutrient mobilization, biotic-abiotic stress, and defense against pathogens. Rhizobiome i.e., microorganisms present in the rhizosphere, plays a significant role in plant health symbiotically, pathogenically, or neutrally with the host depending on the environmental condition. Rhizosphere microorganisms and root exudates are beneficial for plant health but their relationship with each other is not yet considerably explored. The health of the host plant is generally influenced by this interaction, hence it is crucial to boost these interactions to improve nutrient absorption and tolerance to biotic stressors. Combining multi-omics and imaging innovations can overcome the constraints of existing research by filling the information gap to accomplish worthwhile development and revealing the interaction pathways in agriculture.