Harnessing the rhizosphere microbiome for sustainable weed suppression in agroecosystems

Abstract:

The escalation of herbicide-resistant weeds presents a critical threat to global food security, necessitating a shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. The rhizosphere—the dynamic interface where plant roots and soil microorganisms interact—holds immense, largely untapped potential for biological weed management. This review synthesizes current research at the intersection of plant botany and soil microbiology to explore how the rhizosphere microbiome can be harnessed to suppress weed emergence and growth. We examine the fundamental mechanisms driving these interactions, including microbe-mediated allelopathy, resource competition, and the action of host-specific deleterious rhizobacteria (DRB). By comparing the root exudate profiles and microbiome assembly of cultivated crops versus invasive weed species, we highlight how targeted microbial interventions can disrupt weed physiology while promoting crop resilience. Furthermore, the review addresses the practical challenges of translating these microbial dynamics from controlled laboratory conditions to field applications, emphasizing the need for stable bio-formulations and their compatibility with existing organic inputs like bio-fertilizers. Ultimately, Integration of microbiome-based bioherbicides into standard weed management programs offers a viable, sustainable pathway to reduce synthetic chemical reliance and restore soil health in intensive agroecosystems.