# Phytomicrobiones: A Potential Approach for Sustainable Pesticide Biodegradation
## 1 Introduction  
In the intricate tapestry of the environment, every part of a plant plays host to a diverse array of microbes, ranging from bacteria and fungi to archaea and beyond. The soil, in particular, serves as a bustling hub for microbial communities, creating the ideal substrate for plant growth. To put this in perspective, a mere gram of soil is believed to teem with nearly 1 billion bacterial cells and 200 m of fungal hyphae [1]. These microorganisms forge a connection with plants by making the journey from soil to plant, culminating in the assembly of intricate microbial communities known as phytomicrobiones [2, 3]. Remarkably, the specific composition of these microbial cohorts can have both positive and negative ramifications for their host plants. The amalgamation of these microbial communities is aptly referred to as the phytomicrobione [4]. The phytomicrobione is more than just an ecological curiosity; it is a critical player in a plant's ability to adapt to adverse conditions, such as drought, salinity, and the challenges imposed by pesticide exposure [5]. It also dans the mantle of a botanical probiotic, defending plants against pest invasions while fostering their growth. A cast of endophytic microorganisms, residing within the plant, takes center stage in developing these symbiotic relationships, exerting a pivotal influenceon plant health [6]. In the grand theater of ecological interactions, understanding the dynamics between plants, their microbiota, and the surrounding environment is pivotal. This interplay, influenced by factors like soil type, temperature, climate, and human activities, is fundamental to unraveling the mysteries of the phytomicrobione [7; 8]. Moreover, the manipulation of the phytomicrobione holds promise as a potent solution to address specific environmental challenges [9]. As the global population burgeons, so does the demand for grain production. The 21 st century has witnessed a 1.4% increase in global grain production [10]. However, this growth is shadowed by a persistent problem--pest-induced damage, resulting in annual crop losses of 20-40%, with diseases and insect infestations accounting for staggering economic losses of approximately $220 billion and $70 billion, respectively [10]. Nations like China and India bear the brunt of this crisis, where tens of millions of tons of grains are lost annually to pests [11; 12]. In response to these daunting losses, pesticides have been indiscriminately employed for crop protection, setting in motion a cascade of environmental consequences, including soil, water, and air pollution [13; 14; 15]. Amidst the environmental conundrum posed by pesticide pollution, biodegradation emerges as a potent tool for mitigating the persistence of pesticide residues in soil. Microorganisms involved in the biodegradation process produce enzymes capable of breaking down the complex organic structures of pesticides. Through mineralization, these organic compounds are transformed into inorganic forms, enriching the soil with essential nutrients [16; 17; 18]. The microbial world has unveiled an array of champions responsible for the degradation of various pesticides [19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24]. Furthermore, plant roots join the fray by releasing exudates, including sugars, organic acids, secondary metabolites, and complex polymers, which serve as a banquet for microbial growth in the rhizosphere [25]. Consequently, fostering microbial communities in the rhizosphere becomes a vital step in nurturing the phytomicrobione. The phytomicrobione may hold the key to a sustainable future for pesticide degradation [26], offering a pathway towards climate-resilient agricultural practices that ensure the longevity of our precious soils [27]. Nonetheless, bridging the gap between fundamental and applied research remains a critical challenge in the quest to harness the potential of the phytomicrobione for effective pesticide biodegradation.