The AIT Bioresources Team, in collaboration with international research partners, has published a significant article in Nature Reviews Microbiology that highlights the potential of the plant microbiome in promoting sustainable agriculture. This research reviews the complex interactions between plants and microorganisms, offering new insights into how these interactions can be leveraged to advance sustainable food production.
Agriculture at a Crossroads: Addressing Global Challenges
Global agriculture is facing numerous challenges. Climate change, declining soil fertility, and the excessive use of chemicals threaten food production and the environment. While microorganisms have been used to support plant growth for decades, there are still limitations regarding their effectiveness and consistency in real-world conditions. These challenges underscore the need for sustainable solutions that enhance yields while protecting the environment.
The Power of the Plant Microbiome
The article underscores how research at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology has deepened our understanding of the plant microbiome's functions and composition. These insights are enabling the development of new microbial applications tailored to meet specific plant needs, enhancing their resilience to various stress factors. Dr. Stéphane Compant, one of the lead authors, notes, "Our goal is to fully harness the potential of the plant microbiome to make agriculture more sustainable and resilient." Angela Sessitsch, Head of the Bioresources Competence Unit at AIT and also lead author of the paper, adds, "By integrating microbial products and ways to modulate microbiomes into agricultural practices, we are laying the foundation for a future-proof agriculture that not only increases yields but also contributes to achieving global sustainability goals."
The Future of Agriculture
Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Sessitsch, AIT’s Bioresources team is advancing plant microbiome research with a focus on developing practical solutions to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. The team's work aims to translate scientific research into applications that significantly enhance the sustainability and efficiency of global food production.
AIT is leading several important initiatives, including the EU-funded projects MICROBIOMES4SOY (https://microbiomes4soy.eu/) and BIOVEXO (https://biovexo.eu/), which explore the role of microbiomes in a sustainable production, being less dependent on agrochemicals. The Bioresources Unit is also actively engaged in international discourse, contributing to and organizing key conferences such as miCROPe 2024 in Vienna, which focuses on a microbe-assisted crop production..
Through these efforts, AIT is positioned to play a key role in the development of environmentally sustainable, bio-based products and in fostering international collaborations essential for the future of agriculture.