Plant health in the era of metagenomics: Current state and future prospects

Currently, some plant diseases are posing a threat to plant health management in which the disease symptoms are linked to several infections or abiotic agents. Interestingly, metagenomics offers a new rationale and practical mechanism for identifying the principal causal organisms and sustaining plant health. This method provides a broad view of the origins and functions of microorganisms in the environment. Although metagenomics is based on molecular biology investigations of the ecological diversity of uncultured and cultured microbes, little information exists on its importance in plant health management. In this chapter, we present an overview, techniques, and the current state of metagenomics in plant health management. We further highlight the current challenges that need to be addressed and the limitations of these methods in phytopathology and plant health management.