Abstract: Bacteriophages (phages) dramatically affect the co-occurring microbial abundance, taxonomic composition, and function through their replication and lysis processes, thereby playing a pivotal role in modulating micro-food web structure and biogeochemical cycles. Compared with other environments, soil contains more abundant phages, which may play an even bigger role. The ecological function of phages has received increasing attention. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of soil phages on plant-microbe interactions and rhizosphere microbial community assembly processes remain unclear. Here, we reviewed the research progress in plant rhizosphere phage ecology and interrogated the rhizosphere phage community dynamics and their interactions with soil microbial communities and environmental factors. The potential roles and mechanism of soil phages affecting plant-microbe interactions and rhizosphere microbial community assembly processes were discussed. Ultimately, we proposed new perspectives of rhizosphere phage ecology research and its potential contributions to sustainable agriculture.

Key words: rhizosphere bacteria, viral lysis, plant-microbe interaction, lysogenic conversion, beneficial microbes, colonization