Citrus metagenomics: Unveiling microbes- mediated plant health and nutrition

Citrus fruits represent a crucial segment of the global agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to nutrition and rural economies. However, the production of citrus is increasingly jeopardized by various challenges, including the devastating effects of Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), alongside nutrient deficiencies and climate-related stresses. Traditional agricultural methods, heavily reliant on chemical inputs, are insufficient for sustainably addressing these issues and fail to consider the critical role of microbial communities, known as the microbiome, in enhancing plant health and resilience. This paper explores the transformative potential of metagenomics, a high-throughput DNA sequencing method that allows for the comprehensive study of microbial communities in situ highlighting its application in understanding plant-microbe interactions within citrus cultivation. By profiling the microbiome, we can identify beneficial microorganisms that enhance nutrient availability, promote disease resistance, and improve overall plant growth. Furthermore, the integration of metagenomics with other omics technologies offers a pathway to develop robust, microbiome-based strategies for citrus production, disease management, and soil health improvement. This review synthesizes recent findings on the role of the microbiome in citrus systems, emphasizing its importance in mitigating HLB and enhancing citrus productivity and nutritional quality, while also addressing the technical challenges of metagenomic research in agricultural contexts.