Host plants shape rhizosphere microbiomes to counteract Fusarium: molecular mechanisms and translational strategies

The rhizosphere microbiome, a collective community of microorganisms inhabiting the plant rhizosphere, plays a pivotal role in mediating plant resistance to Fusarium infection. As a key ecological barrier between plant roots and soil, this microbiome establishes a natural defense network against Fusarium via synergistic mechanisms, including antifungal metabolite production, ecological niche competition, and plant immune activation. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying plant-rhizosphere microbiome interactions remain incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding how plants recruit beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms to counteract Fusarium infection, highlight the potential of the rhizosphere microbiome for biological control of Fusarium diseases, and discuss prospects for promoting sustainable agriculture through microbiome regulation. • The rhizosphere microbiome serves as a natural defense system against Fusarium. • Host plants shape their rhizosphere microbiome via root exudates to fight Fusarium. • SynComs and multi-omics offer novel pathways for sustainable Fusarium control.