Phytomicrobiomes: A Potential Approach for Sustainable Pesticide Biodegradation

Globally, pest-induced crop losses ranging from 20% to 40% have spurred the extensive use of pesticides, presenting a double-edged sword that threatens not only human health but also our environment. Amidst various remediation techniques, bioremediation stands out as a compelling and eco-friendly solution. Recently, the phytomicrobiome has garnered increasing attention as endophytic microbes, colonizing plants from their roots, not only foster plant growth but also enhance the host plant's resilience to adverse conditions. Given the persistent demand for high crop yields, agricultural soils often bear the burden of pesticide applications. Biodegradation, the transformation of complex pesticide compounds into simpler forms through the activation of microbial processes and plant-based enzymatic systems, emerges as a pivotal strategy for restoring soil health. Manipulating the phytomicrobiome may emerge as a viable solution for this purpose, offering a native metabolic pathway that catalyzes pollutant degradation through enzymatic reactions. This review delves into the pivotal role of phytomicrobiomes in the degradation of diverse pesticides in soil. It explores contemporary innovations and paves the way for discussions on future research directions in this promising field.