Plant grafting: Maximizing beneficial microbe-plant interactions

Abstract

Grafting, a traditional agricultural technique, holds significant potential for increasing productivity by harnessing the plant microbiome. The microbiome provides adaptability and metabolic diversity, increasing plant capacity to cope with challenging conditions. Although grafting effects on the composition and structure of microbiome on the root endosphere and, consequently, on the aerial endosphere have been reported, the impact on potential functionalities for plant traits remains to be elucidated. Beneficial microbes assembled by plant grafting have significant biotechnological potential to increase plant performance against biotic and abiotic stressors. In view of the optimal use of rootstock-scion combinations, in this review, we focused on recent grafting studies with plant-microbiome underlying mechanisms related to growth promotion, nutrient accessibility, and protection against abiotic and biotic environmental stresses. We provide significant first-hand information to guide future directions and prospects in shaping plant and core microbiome interactions, which helps in sustainable agriculture.