Composition, Diversity, and Functional Roles of the Rhizosphere Microbiome in Panax ginseng.

The rhizosphere microbiome of Panax ginseng plays a crucial role in promoting plant growth, enhancing stress resilience, and facilitating the biosynthesis of pharmacologically significant ginsenosides. However, continuous monocropping disrupts the microbial community balance, leading to soil degradation, the proliferation of soilborne pathogens, and decreased crop productivity. Advanced multi-omics technologies, such as metagenomics and metabolomics, have provided valuable insights into the structure and function of the ginseng rhizosphere microbiome. These studies highlight its potential for nutrient mobilization, disease suppression, and stress mitigation. Root exudates, including phenolic acids and ginsenosides, influence microbial composition; however, they may also exacerbate soil imbalances by promoting pathogenic fungi. Conversely, beneficial microbes, such as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and siderophore-producing strains, enhance nutrient availability, mitigate heavy metal toxicity, and suppress pathogens through bioactive metabolites. This review emphasizes the functional roles of the ginseng rhizosphere microbiome and highlights knowledge gaps in leveraging microbial interactions for sustainable cultivation. A more comprehensive understanding of plant-microbe interactions, coupled with the integration of microbiome-driven strategies, can enhance ginseng productivity, boost bioactive compound yields, and support environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. These findings provide a foundation for advancing microbiome research and addressing challenges in ginseng cultivation.