Seeds form the foundation of plant life, underpinning agricultural sustainability. The seed microbiome, a community of microorganisms associated with seeds, influences seed health, germination, and plant growth by serving as the initial inoculum for microbial communities that enhance plant productivity. These microorganisms, including epiphytes and endophytes, promote plant growth through improved nutrient uptake, hormonal modulation, and stress tolerance. The seed microbiome’s diversity and functionality are shaped by vertical and horizontal transmission routes, reflecting dynamic interactions between plants and their environment. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have revealed the microbiome's potential to enhance disease resistance and adaptability to environmental challenges. Utilizing microbial inoculation and biological priming can harness the microbiome’s benefits, reducing chemical inputs while improving crop productivity. These strategies emphasize the microbiome's role in promoting seedling health and shaping plant morphology. Insights into seed microbiota dynamics offer opportunities to bolster crop resilience, address food security, and mitigate climate change impacts through sustainable agricultural practices. Exploring the ecological and functional interactions of seed-associated microorganisms is pivotal for fostering innovative strategies to enhance plant performance and sustainability in agriculture.
Seed microbiome; endophytes; epiphytes; microbial diversity; sustainable agriculture; microbial inoculants
Mbah, Ch.E., Sunbare-Funto, O.J., Akinola, O., Ajibade, O.A., Oyawoye, O.M. (2025): Microbial Allies in Seeds: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Crop Productivity and Resilience. Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica, 56, 2, 9, DOI: 10.7160/sab.2025.560209