Rhizosphere Microbiome Metagenomics: Elucidating the Abditive Microflora

The rhizosphere is a zone of biological activity between plant roots and soil harboring a plethora of microorganisms. The key interactions among a multitude of microorganisms in the rhizosphere have a direct or indirect effect on the plant. Being versatile and intriguingly complex, a comprehension regarding the elementary principles of microbial ecology and functioning is significant to enhance the plant productivity and agroecosystem working. The interplay between plant roots and the associated microbes is regulated by profound chemical signaling. Most of the known facts about these interactions till recently have been derived through the studies based on culturing the microbes; however, it is an established fact that majority of the microbes are uncultivable. Novel insights into enhancing our ability to unravel the quintessential factors determining the rhizosphere microbiome could offer the progress towards the development of sustainable agriculture. We now have the opportunity to utilize the advanced culture independent techniques to have an insight into the intriguing plant-microbe interplay. Metagenomic studies present a strong mandate to understand the enormous richness and diversity of rhizosphere microbiome as well as the key biological processes.