Microbiomes in Weed and Postharvest Management

Agricultural productivity has already been known to be affected by a range of factors and the success in yield enhancement and quality will depend on effective management of the various challenges. At the same time, methods used for the same should be aligned with sustainable development goals.. Here comes the relevance of exploration of microorganisms associated with plant in the form of plant microbiome for diverse agricultural applications. The current chapter specifically acquires information on the effectiveness of utilization of plant microbiome for weed control and post harvest protection. Identifying microbial candidates with the potential to control weeds and also to increase the shelf life of fresh produce will have significant impact on effective utilization of space in cropland cultivation and also to ensure the availability of fresh produce without any damage to consumers. Moreover, a systematic examination of microbial flora in the agroecosystems is crucial to providing substantial agricultural advantages. Microbiome studies have created a framework for sustainable postharvest biology and handling, avoiding the loss of crops and improving food security. The study of the plant microbiome (primarily highlighting postharvest and weedy species) adds a unique, functional element to agricultural sustainable development.