Genetically Modified Plant Beneficial Microorganisms: A Sustainable Solution or a New Challenge for Agriculture

Plant diseases significantly impact crop yield and quality,
while
conventional pesticide treatments often disrupt beneficial plant microbiota
essential for pathogen prevention and immune regulation. Although
plant beneficial microorganisms (PBMs) show promise as disease control
agents, their effectiveness is constrained by strain-dependent variations,
survival challenges, and inconsistent immune responses. Recent advances
in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-Cas systems combined with
complementary technologies like RecE/T, enable precise modifications
of PBMs to enhance their protective potential. Enhanced PBMs improve
functionality via multiple mechanisms: targeted gene-expression-mediated
colonization, specific antimicrobial activity, and immune regulation.
Studies demonstrate that genetically modified PBMs can prevent and
control plant diseases through competitive exclusion, antibiotic production,
barrier reinforcement, and immune modulation. We analyzed the considerations
for the environmental release of engineered PBMs to reduce risks.
Future research should focus on optimizing PBMs for specific applications
while addressing biosafety concerns, thereby unlocking their full
potential in safeguarding plant health.