Deciphering the Soil Virome: Understanding Viral Influence on Soil Microbiomes and Plant Health

The interactions between plant roots and the soil virome play a fundamental role in plant health and productivity. Soil viruses influence microbial community dynamics, nutrient cycling, and plant resilience against environmental stresses. Recent studies have revealed the significance of viral activity in shaping rhizosphere microbiomes, highlighting their roles in ecosystem stability and plant growth.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the soil virome, its interactions with microbial communities, and its broader implications for plant health, ecological stability, and sustainable agriculture. While much is known about bacterial and fungal dynamics, the role of soil viruses remains underexplored. Our objective is to investigate their functions, transmission, and impact on plant-associated microbial networks.

To advance this field, we welcome research contributions that explore viral diversity in soil ecosystems, their interactions with rhizosphere microbiomes, and their influence on plant health and crop productivity. We seek studies that focus on virus-driven microbial shifts, viral-host interactions in soil, and the functional roles of soil virome in shaping plant-associated microbial ecology.

Present the problem that you would like to address in this Research Topic and what can be done to achieve it including recent advances.
The rhizosphere is the narrow region of soil directly surrounding plant roots. It is a hotspot for microbial activity, as plant roots release a variety of compounds that attract and support the growth of microorganisms. This includes archaea, bacteria, fungi, viruses, which can have a significant impact on plant health. While the term "rhizosphere virome" might not be commonly used, the concept it refers to is relevant. Viruses can interact with the rhizosphere, the region of soil surrounding plant roots, in ways that influence plant growth. Here's how viruses can play a role in plant growth promotion within the rhizosphere:

•Mycoviruses/Mycorhizoviruses/Mycorhizophages: These viruses infect fungi that live in the rhizosphere. Some mycoviruses can weaken these fungi, making them less effective at competing with plants for resources. This can indirectly benefit plant growth.
•Bacteriophages/Archaeophage/Bacteriorhizophages/Archaeorhizophages: These viruses infect bacteria. Some bacteriophages can kill harmful bacteria/Archaea in the rhizosphere, reducing the risk of plant diseases and promoting healthier root systems.
•Plant viruses: While generally known for causing diseases, some plant viruses can have a subtle positive effect on plant growth under certain conditions. This is an area of ongoing research.

It is important to note that the interactions between microbiome specially viruses and plants in the rhizosphere are complex and not fully understood. More research is needed to fully explore the potential of microbiome especially viruses for promoting plant growth. Therefore, in this current Topic we aim to gather information on the available knowledge and future directions on this research realm.

To advance knowledge in this area, we welcome contributions, including—but not limited to—the following themes:
o Biochemical pathways facilitating nutrient exchange between rhizosphere microorganisms, rhizophage, soilphage and plants
o Composition and function of root-associated and bulk soil associated viral communities in interactions with plants
o Innovative methodologies bridging microbiology, virology, botany and environmental sciences
o Strategies for harnessing microbial functions to enhance crop resilience and productivity
o Quantifying and assigning viruses within soil ecosystems, to better understand their distribution, abundance, and specific roles within the rhizosphere microbiome.
o Investigating the impact of viruses on soil meofauna and other root-associated pests, exploring their potential role in natural pest control and the overall health of the rhizosphere.

By concentrating on these areas through original research, methodological advancements, and comprehensive reviews, we aim to compile a body of work that fosters innovation in the utilization of microbial processes for sustainable agricultural practices.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Rhizosphere, Viral Ecology, Plant-Virus Interactions, Soil Virome, Root Microbiome

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.