From bacterial predators to partners: phages in agriculture

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are critical players for shaping the taxonomic and functional composition of plant-associated microbiomes. Yet, their roles in plant health remain overlooked, along with their implications for sustainable agriculture. While phages are recognized as bacterial predators, they can also promote bacterial survival and competitiveness. Here, we highlight the roles phage play in shaping soil microbiomes and promising phage-based applications for sustainable agriculture. Ongoing research highlights the diverse roles of phages in regulating bacterial populations, enhancing nutrient cycling, improving stress tolerance, and suppressing soil-borne pathogens - microbial traits that directly link to plant health. Additionally, emerging applications such as bioremediation, phage-based biosensors, and microbiome engineering underscore phages' potential to revolutionize sustainable farming and optimize agricultural productivity.