The symposium “Microbe-assisted crop production – opportunities, challenges and needs” (miCROPe 2019- www.micrope.org), which took place from 2-5 December 2019 in the Orangerie of the Schönbrunn castle in Vienna, Austria, addressed basic and applied aspects of applying beneficial microorganisms in crop production. This symposium, which was organized by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and by the Austrian Association of Molecular Life Sciences and Biotechnology (ÖGMBT), is third in series, first and second were held in the years 2015 and 2017 at the same venue. The symposium is an effort to bring together all concerned in the area of microbiome research with a focus on microbiome and multi-trophic interactions, formulation and application know-how as well as the importance of microbial inoculants for rural development. This two yearly event is an exercise in updating researchers and stake holders in advances made in this important area for sustainable agriculture.

More than 320 delegates from 39 countries participated in this symposium with more than 26% of the delegates coming from the industry sector.

Interactions and in depth discussions with scientists carrying out “Microbiome“ research was very satisfying and fruitful. Each technical session was well attended and scientific discussions ensued. The meeting also facilitated updating of protocols and analytic methodologies and emerging areas of research in molecular microbial ecology and phytobiomes. The technical session on policies and regulations in microbiome research products was important with the angle of commercialization. I made my presentation in the session “Microbes in ameliorating abiotic stress”.

Interactions and in depth discussions with scientists carrying out “Microbiome“ research was very satisfying. The sponsorship to participate in the symposium from NAHEP-CAAST is gratefully acknowledged. ng and fruitful. Each technical session was well attended and scientific discussions ensued. The meeting also facilitated updating of protocols and analytic methodologies and emerging areas of research in molecular microbial ecology and phytobiomes. The technical session on policies and regulations in microbiome research products was important with the angle of commercialization. I made my presentation in the session “Microbes in ameliorating abiotic stress”.