Plant-microbe networks under climate change: molecular mechanisms, systems biology, and strategies for ecosystem resilience

Abstract The interplay between plants and their associated microbiomes is a critical determinant of ecosystem resilience under climate change. This review synthesizes current knowledge of plant-microbiome systems, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that govern synergistic interactions and on systems biology approaches to unraveling their complexity. We examine how these networks facilitate plant adaptation to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures by modulating physiological responses, nutrient acquisition, and defense mechanisms. Multi-omics technologies (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics) enable holistic characterization of these interactions, supporting predictive modeling and targeted microbiome engineering. We explore synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) and bioinoculants as innovative solutions to enhance crop resilience and promote sustainable agriculture. Quantitative evidence demonstrates that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation under drought stress increases yield by 56% and root biomass by 61% relative to drought-stressed controls, with multi-strain consortia increasing shoot biomass by 70% compared with 28% for single strains, while field trials show approximately 50% reduction in efficacy relative to controlled conditions (22% vs 45% yield increase), highlighting the critical translation gap. Key challenges include inconsistent field performance, formulation stability, commercial viability (> 40% product failure rate), and regulatory fragmentation. Future directions integrating digital twins, AI-driven predictive analytics, and synthetic biology offer important opportunities. This review provides a framework for harnessing plant-microbiome systems to foster climate-resilient agriculture and ensure food security.