Novel Insights into the Responses of the Plant Microbiome to Abiotic Factors

Plants recruit and sustain microbial communities which can affect nutrient uptake, pathogen response, and stress tolerance. However, changes in the environment can directly affect microbial diversity and function in these communities, or indirectly via plant responses to the environmental conditions leading to modulation of the microbiome community. Untangling the effects of the microbial response to environmental changes, the plant response, and anthropogenic interferences, will enable discovery of novel targets in order to improve stress tolerance and increase plant productivity via microbiome modulation.

In this Research Topic we will explore how the plant microbiome responds to changes in the environment. We attempt to tease apart the direct effects of environment on microbiome and the secondary effects of plant response to environment on the microbiome. Understanding environmental and anthropogenic disturbances is critical to transition plant microbiome research to augment plant growth under adverse conditions. We aim to identify and decipher effects of prevalent abiotic stress factors to identify distinct members of the microbiome which may contribute to plant stress tolerance. Original Research articles which demonstrate changes in the plant microbiome in response to diverse factors are invited on topics including, but not limited to:
- Abiotic factors such as increased temperature, high salinity, decreased precipitation, or mechanical stimulus.
- Plant growth under low nutrient conditions or contaminated conditions including heavy metals and petroleum products.
- Effects of different farming practices, such as cover cropping and tilling.

Note for authors: Before preparing your manuscript, please check the Scope of the Plant Abiotic Stress section that describes the requirements for reporting experimental studies and acceptance of manuscripts.