Review of the seed microbiome: composition, functions, and research gaps (microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com)

• Comprehensive review of seed microbiome composition, transmission, and functions
• Highlights methodological challenges: low biomass, batch pooling, host contamination
• Discusses open questions and potential applications in agriculture

"This open-access review in Microbiome journal synthesizes current knowledge on the seed microbiome. It covers taxonomic composition and diversity across plant species, transmission mechanisms (vertical and horizontal), functional roles in germination, growth promotion, and stress resistance, as well as methodological challenges including low biomass, host DNA contamination, and batch pooling that obscures single-seed heterogeneity. Key open questions remain regarding microbial entry routes, dormancy and reactivation, host selection of core taxa, spatial compartmentalization within seeds, and quantification of viable microbes. The review discusses potential applications for sustainable agriculture and food security."