# Phytomicrobiones: A Potential Approach for Sustainable Pesticide Biodegradation
## 3 Phytomicrobiome and Pesticide Biodegradation
### Seed Microbiome  
Seeds, the very essence of future plant life, serve as the cornerstone of plant fitness, growth, and development. They inherit their microbial communities from diverse sources such as the environment (air, water, soil) and their parent plants. These seeds carry within them the legacy of previous generations, and the microbial torch they bear plays a pivotal role in shaping the phytomicrobome, thereby orchestrating the future of agriculture [104; 105]. Much like other parts of the plant, the seed microbiome is associated with a rich tapestry of microbial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, which are intricately woven into the fabric of the seed's composition [106; 107]. This intricate assembly is a direct reflection of the soil, environmental conditions, and the host plant species. For instance, seeds from alfalfa and _Cucurbita pepo_ reveal the presence of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes phyla [108; 109]. The seed microbiome is not solely the domain of bacteria; it also hosts fungi, including the Ascomycota phylum [108].  
Recent scientific inquiries have unveiled the seed microbiome's profound role in controlling fundamental aspects of plant life, including germination, growth, flowering, and fruiting. Studies on wheat seed microbiota have illuminated higher microbial diversity in the seed endosperm than in the embryo [110]. This microbial consortium does not merely passively coexist with seeds; it actively releases phytohormones, enzymes, and biocontrol agents, thereby propelling the degradation of pesticides and enhancing seedling germination even under stressful conditions [111; 112; 113]. An intriguing avenue for pesticide degradation lies in the inoculation of microbial strains onto seeds, a promising biological approach to control and mitigate the harmful effects of pesticides. A prime example comes from the discovery of _Burkholderia cepacia_, a bacterium known for its prowess in degrading 2,4-D herbicide. Researchers have ingeniously coated non-sterile barley (_Hordeum vulgare_) seeds with this bacterium and observed its effects upon planting in non-sterile soils laced with 2,4-D. The result was a remarkable boost in microbial colonization in the roots of inoculated plants, indicating the potential for mitigating pesticide impact through seed-based strategies [114]. Further illuminating this path, sunflower seed husks were employed as hosts for _Rhodococcus_ spp. strains, known for their proficiency in degrading hydrocarbons. This microbial alliance turned the seed husks into effective bioremediation agents against crude oil-polluted soils. The end result was a staggering 66% removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons from the soil, underscoring the promising role that seeds can play in remediating environmental contamination [115]. While recent studies have predominantly focused on the seed microbiome's influence on plant growth, scant attention has been directed toward its role in pesticide degradation. These distinct microbial communities reside on or within seeds, poised to become the next generation of endophytic microbiomes. Exploring the depths of the seed microbiome's potential for pesticide biodegradation is an imperative scientific quest. This journey of discovery should place particular emphasis on seedling establishment and the intricate assembly of the phytomicrobiome, opening new horizons in sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation.