The rhizosphere microbiome can sustainably protect field-grown tomato crops against soil-borne pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes

Onyemaechi H. Obiazikwor; Anish Shah; G. E. St. J. Hardy; Kirsty Bayliss

doi:10.1080/07060661.2025.2477644

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The rhizosphere microbiome can sustainably protect field-grown tomato crops against soil-borne pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

The rhizosphere microbiome can sustainably protect field-grown tomato crops against soil-borne pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes

Onyemaechi H. Obiazikwor, Anish Shah, G. E. St. J. Hardy and Kirsty Bayliss

Canadian journal of plant pathology, Vol.47(4), pp.423-436

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07060661.2025.2477644

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Abstract

Biotic stress

crop protection

microbiota

plant-pathogen interactions

interactions plante-pathog & egrave;ne

microbiote

protection des cultures

stress biotique

Roots of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) are vulnerable to soil-borne pathogenic fungi, bacteria and nematodes. Current control methods for these biotic stressors have limitations, necessitating the need for new eco-friendly alternatives. The rhizosphere microbiome is an effective natural barrier to invasion by soil-borne pathogens, and there is scope to harness this inherent capacity to improve the management of pathogens. This review examined molecular analyses of the taxonomic composition, abundance and function of the rhizosphere microbiome in healthy and diseased field-grown tomato plants for evidence of the role of the microbiome in disease suppression. The role of biological products in manipulating the rhizosphere microbiome to suppress soil-borne pathogens in field-grown tomato crops was also analysed. We discuss likely mechanisms underpinning microbiome-mediated tolerance to biotic stress in tomato crops and highlight research gaps to be considered in future investigations. Identifying functionally beneficial rhizosphere microbiota in healthy tomato crops may provide new insights into understanding plant–pathogen interactions and allow new strategies for exploring disease control.

Details

Title: The rhizosphere microbiome can sustainably protect field-grown tomato crops against soil-borne pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes
Authors/Creators: Onyemaechi H. Obiazikwor - Murdoch University, School of Agricultural Sciences
Anish Shah - Murdoch University
G. E. St. J. Hardy - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Kirsty Bayliss - Murdoch University
Publication Details: Canadian journal of plant pathology, Vol.47(4), pp.423-436
Publisher: Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Number of pages: 14
Grant note: Hort Innovation Murdoch University CRC Future Food Systems
We acknowledge E/Prof Jen McComb and Dr. Kay Howard for their critical review of the manuscript. The first author thanks Murdoch University and CRC Future Food Systems for providing a Postgraduate Scholarship.
Identifiers: 991005762556507891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Centre for Crop and Food Innovation; Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Agricultural Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.97 Plant Pathology; 3.97.556 Microbial Biocontrol
Web Of Science research areas: Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science