Role of crop microbiomes in crop production under changing climate: past, present, and future

Rising global temperatures and frequent severe droughts due to climate change critically warn plant performance and crop yields. The plant-associated microbiome plays a pivotal role in moderating the impact of biotic and abiotic stressors on crops. Symbiotic relationships between crops and their microbial partners enhance various agronomic functions, supporting plant health, growth, and resilience. Understanding crop microbiome–environment interactions and how microbiomes mitigate adverse effects will improve predictions of climate change impacts on primary productivity and inform strategies for enhancing crop resilience. This chapter explores the historical context, current understanding, and future potential of crop microbiomes under changing climatic conditions. The chapter reviews recent advancements, highlighting research that elucidates the mechanisms by which microbiomes enhance crop performance under drought, heat, and salinity stress. It also examines biotechnological interventions aimed at employing and manipulating microbial communities to improve crop yields and sustainability and outlines strategies for integrating microbiome management into agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts. This includes developing climate-resilient crops through microbiome engineering, using synthetic biology to create tailored microbial consortia and adopting holistic, ecosystem-based approaches. Through this comprehensive overview, we underscore the fundamental role of crop microbiomes in fostering sustainable agriculture and enhancing adaptive capacity in the face of global climate challenges.