<p>Plant viruses remain among the most difficult crop pathogens to manage because curative treatments are limited and disease outcomes depend strongly on host physiology and vector ecology. Recent studies suggest that rhizobia, long used as agronomic inoculants, can reduce virus-disease symptom severity and, in studies that quantify viral load, lower virus accumulation/titer following applications as live cells, cell-free culture filtrates, or <i>Rhizobium</i>-derived materials. However, the primary evidence base remains small and is dominated by prophylactic greenhouse assays in faba bean. Here, we synthesize the emerging evidence across host–virus systems and intervention formats, evaluate mechanistic support using a strength-of-evidence framework, and outline minimal reporting criteria to improve reproducibility and readiness for meta-analysis. Across reported systems, the dominant mechanistic signature is most consistent with host-mediated induced resistance, including stabilization of redox balance, modulation of defense signaling networks, and phenylpropanoid-associated defenses, whereas direct antiviral activity remains largely unsubstantiated. We discuss translational routes to field deployment, including seed and soil delivery formats, quality control and biosafety considerations, and integration as an adjunct within integrated pest management. Finally, we propose research priorities to broaden rhizobial diversity and virus coverage, implement mechanism-first causal tests that distinguish symptom suppression from virus suppression, and enable multi-location field validation.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>