About this Research Topic

Background

The study of root nodules, traditionally focused on rhizobial strains, has evolved significantly with the advent of advanced microbiome analysis techniques. Historically, root nodules were believed to be occupied solely by single strains of compatible rhizobia, and any other microbial colonies observed were dismissed as contaminants. However, recent research has revealed that root nodules are complex microecosystems housing a variety of microbial partners whose roles are not yet fully understood. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have become essential tools in uncovering the intricate dynamics within these niches. Despite these advancements, many questions remain unanswered regarding the specific functions, interactions, and origins of these microbial communities, highlighting the need for further investigation.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the complex interactions within the root nodule microbiome. Specifically, it seeks to identify the microbial partners accompanying rhizobia, understand their functions, and determine whether these partners exhibit host specificity. Additionally, the research will explore how these microbes colonize and enter the nodule tissues, how nodule microbial communities are assembled, and whether these partners contribute to nodule development. Other objectives include investigating the potential of microbial partners to assist non-compatible rhizobia in colonizing non-host legumes, identifying the origins of these microbial partners, and understanding the factors affecting the nodule microbiome. Answering these questions will enhance our understanding of root nodule functionality and its contribution to legume fitness, particularly under stress conditions and in the context of climate change.

To gather further insights into the root nodule microbiome, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Isolation and functional characterization of nodule endophytic microbial populations
- Molecular dialogues among plant-rhizobia-other microbial partners
- Nodule entry points and colonization patterns and mechanisms
- Functions of microbial partners within the inner nodule
- Host-specific responses to rhizobia and other microbial partners
- Localization of microbial partners on root nodules through in situ localization or nodule histology
- Role of microbial partners in legume fitness
- Genomic analysis of nodule helper bacteria and nodule transcriptomic analysis

The Topic Editors encourage the submission of Original Research and Reviews, as well as Methods or Mini Reviews, to contribute to this comprehensive exploration of the root nodule microbiome.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Root Nodule, Rhizobia, Endophytes, Microbiome, Legumes, Omics, Sustainability, Plant Growth Promotion, Symbiosis, Plant Protection, Biological Nitrogen Fixation, Mutuallistic Interactions.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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