Seed–microbiome interactions: Mechanistic insights and utilization toward seed performance for sustainable agriculture

Global climate change poses increasing threats to seed production and, consequently, global food security. The seed microbiome plays an essential role in regulating the entire seed life cycle. Specific seed endophytes and spermosphere microorganisms orchestrate the maintenance and release of dormancy, thereby synchronizing germination plasticity with agricultural demands. In this review, we summarize recent advances linking seed-microbiome interactions with seed developmental processes. We review the origins of seed microbiomes and their physiological roles in regulating dormancy and germination in response to environmental changes, with a focus on phytohormone crosstalk. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms through which seed-microbe interactions influence seed fate. Finally, we explore emerging precision applications of microbiomes in the seed industry by integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as microbial seed coatings and artificial intelligence (AI), into seed science and technology. In conclusion, harnessing microbiome-based strategies to manipulate the seed life cycle holds immense promise for sustainable food production in a changing global climate.