Abstract

Plant microflora serves as a crucial biological link through which plants engage with their external surroundings. Microbial communities found in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere regulate vital processes like nutrient uptake, pathogen control, stress resilience, and overall plant health. This study performs a focused bibliometric analysis to assess the worldwide research environment on plant microflora utilizing data obtained from the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Following a systematic review, 56 publications were examined using VOS viewer to map co-occurring keywords, determine prominent conceptual clusters, and illustrate research hotspots. The findings indicate that keywords pertaining to the rhizosphere, endophytes, phyllosphere, and biological control constitute the foundation of current research efforts, with the rhizosphere showing the greatest total link strength. Key focus areas are plant-associated microbiomes, root colonization methods, and utilizing beneficial microorganisms like Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas species for crop improvement and biocontrol. The overlay and density maps additionally suggest a transition from descriptive taxonomic research to functional, molecular, and application-focused studies propelled by progress in metagenomics and microbial ecology. This bibliometric evaluation underscores the evolution of plant microflora research into a cohesive area that links microbial diversity with sustainable agricultural practices and ecological stability.