The rhizosphere microbiome can sustainably protect field-grown tomato crops against soil-borne pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes

Roots of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) are vulnerable to soil-borne pathogenic fungi, bacteria and nematodes. Current control methods for these biotic stressors have limitations, necessitating the need for new eco-friendly alternatives. The rhizosphere microbiome is an effective natural barrier to invasion by soil-borne pathogens, and there is scope to harness this inherent capacity to improve the management of pathogens. This review examined molecular analyses of the taxonomic composition, abundance and function of the rhizosphere microbiome in healthy and diseased field-grown tomato plants for evidence of the role of the microbiome in disease suppression. The role of biological products in manipulating the rhizosphere microbiome to suppress soil-borne pathogens in field-grown tomato crops was also analysed. We discuss likely mechanisms underpinning microbiome-mediated tolerance to biotic stress in tomato crops and highlight research gaps to be considered in future investigations. Identifying functionally beneficial rhizosphere microbiota in healthy tomato crops may provide new insights into understanding plant–pathogen interactions and allow new strategies for exploring disease control.