About this Research Topic

Background

Plant-microbe interactions have long been recognized as crucial determinants of plant health, growth, and productivity. Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics have unveiled the intricate mechanisms underlying these interactions, sparking a revolution in biotechnological and bioengineering applications. The "Futuristic Plant Microbes Biotechnology and Bioengineering" Research Topic delves into this innovative domain, aiming to highlight the convergence of plant biology, microbiology, and engineering. This topic will explore novel strategies for enhancing crop yield, bioproducts, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and disease resistance through plant-microbe partnerships. Moreover, it will highlight innovative biotechnological interventions, synthetic biology approaches, and genetic engineering techniques that manipulate these interactions to develop sustainable agricultural practices. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and sharing pioneering research, this Research Topic aspires to pave the way for a greener, more resilient, and technologically advanced environment and agricultural future. Researchers and experts are invited to contribute their insights and findings to shape the discourse on the future potential of plant-microbe biotechnology.

The goal of the "Futuristic Plant Microbes Biotechnology and Bioengineering" Research Topic is to address the pressing challenges in modern environment and agriculture and propel the development of sustainable solutions by harnessing the potential of plant-microbe interactions. As the global population continues to grow, ensuring food security while minimizing the ecological footprint becomes imperative. This Research Topic seeks to explore how innovative biotechnological and bioengineering advancements can be leveraged to enhance plant-microbe partnerships for more productive and resilient agricultural systems.

Recent breakthroughs in metabolomics, genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics have unveiled the intricate signalling pathways, molecular dialogues, and co-evolutionary adaptations governing plant-microbe relationships. By focusing on these discoveries, the Research Topic aims to:
Uncover Novel Strategies: Explore innovative approaches to enhance crop yield, bioproducts, nutrient utilization efficiency, and stress tolerance through tailored interactions between plants and microbes.
Promote Sustainable Practices: Highlight how biotechnological interventions, synthetic biology techniques, and genetic engineering can be harnessed to develop eco-friendly practices that reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
Advance Bioproduct Development: Highlight recent advancements in harnessing plant-microbe interactions to produce biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable bioproducts.
Address Emerging Challenges: Address emerging threats to plant health, such as climate change and emerging pathogens, by elucidating how plant-microbe interactions can be manipulated to enhance disease resistance.

By inviting researchers and experts to contribute their findings and insights, this Research Topic aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, drive scientific discourse, and inspire transformative innovations that will shape the future of environment and agriculture. Through these collective efforts, the goal is to pave the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and technologically advanced environment and agricultural landscape.

This Research Topic aims to encompass a wide range of research themes at the intersection of plant biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and bioengineering. We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that explore innovative strategies, recent advances, and future directions within the following thematic areas:

1. Plant-Microbe Symbiosis and Mutualism
a. Rhizosphere interactions and nutrient cycling
b. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and biofertilizers
c. Mycorrhizal associations and soil health

2. Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering of Plant-Microbe Systems
a. Genetic manipulation for enhanced metabolite production
b. Engineering beneficial traits in plants through microbes
c. Utilizing synthetic microbial consortia to enhance plant growth and health

3. Microbiome Studies and Omics Approaches
a. Exploring microbial metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics
b. Microbiome engineering and manipulation
c. Exploring emerging frontiers in bioinformatics and data analysis for microbiome research
Please note that original research submissions should have a clear experimental focus. and otherwise may be considered as out of scope.

4. Plant-Microbe Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture
a. Biocontrol and biopesticides for crop protection
b. Plant-microbe interactions in stress tolerance and climate resilience
c. Microbial bioremediation for soil and water pollution mitigation

5. Plant-Microbe Biotechnology in Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications
a. Production of plant-microbes based bioactive compounds
b. Microbial-assisted biopharmaceuticals and secondary metabolites
c. Microbiota-based therapies and medicinal plant research
Please note that submissions should have a clear microbial focus.

6. Environmental Applications of Plant-Microbe Biotechnology
a. Microbial-assisted phytoremediation and restoration
b. Carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation
c. Microbial-assisted waste management and circular economy

Keywords: plant microbes, synthetic biology, plant-microbe interactions, metabolic engineering, biocontrol agents, plant disease, microbiome engineering, microbial biotransformations, sustainable agriculture, bioremediation, phytoremediation, nanotechnology

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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