The plant microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in plant health and productivity. High-throughput technologies have revealed intricate interactions between these communities and their hosts. The rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere are key environments for microbial colonization, each influenced by distinct factors such as root exudates, leaf structures, and plant hormones. Microbes in these niches can establish beneficial, neutral, or detrimental associations with plants, with specific interactions well understood for model plants like legumes. The plant genome significantly influences the microbiome, forming an extension of the host genome. Manipulation of the plant microbiome has potential benefits in reducing plant diseases, increasing agricultural production, and reducing chemical inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the complex dynamics of the microbiome require further study to fully understand its role in plant health and productivity.The plant microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in plant health and productivity. High-throughput technologies have revealed intricate interactions between these communities and their hosts. The rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere are key environments for microbial colonization, each influenced by distinct factors such as root exudates, leaf structures, and plant hormones. Microbes in these niches can establish beneficial, neutral, or detrimental associations with plants, with specific interactions well understood for model plants like legumes. The plant genome significantly influences the microbiome, forming an extension of the host genome. Manipulation of the plant microbiome has potential benefits in reducing plant diseases, increasing agricultural production, and reducing chemical inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the complex dynamics of the microbiome require further study to fully understand its role in plant health and productivity.