A call to arms for cell–cell interactions between bacteria in the plant microbiome

Next-generation sequencing and computational biology has unravelled the different bacterial groups populating plant microbiomes. In addition, microbiologists have discovered many different mechanisms of cell–cell interactions that take place between bacteria. Bacteria use four prevalent mechanisms for intercellular interactions; however, their pertinent role in the formation and maintenance of plant microbiomes is currently unknown. We argue that it is overdue to speed up research on the biotic cell–cell interactions that take place between bacteria in plant microbiomes. This research will have a major impact on both fundamental sciences and translational agriculture via the development of bacterial prebiotic compounds as well probiotics competence, resulting in a more sustainable agriculture of economically important crops.