Contrasting effects of genotype and root size on the fungal and bacterial communities associated with apple rootstocks
2022
Liu, Jia | Abdelfattah, Ahmed | Wasserman, Birgit | Wisniewski, Michael | Droby, Samir | Fazio, Gennaro | Mazzola, Mark | Wu, Xuehong
The role of genotype on the composition of the endophytic microbiome of fruit trees remains an important question of practical significance, in regard to both breeding objectives and management practices. In the current study, the bacterial and fungal microbiota associated with four different apple rootstocks planted in the same soil environment were evaluated. Samples used to characterize the microbial taxa included bulk soil, rhizosphere, and endophytes present in fine roots (= 2 mm), intermediate roots (2 – 4 mm), and large roots (4 – 12 mm). Results demonstrated a clear impact of genotype and root size, especially for fungi, on microbial composition and diversity, but not abundance. Fungal and bacterial abundance was equal between different-sized roots, however, significantly higher microbial counts were detected in rhizosphere samples compared to root endosphere samples. The current study provides information that can be used to develop a comprehensive and readily-applicable understanding of the impact of genotype and environmental factors on the establishment of the plant microbiome, as well as its potential function and impact on host physiology. Additional studies will be required to develop the knowledge base required for the practical application of the microbiome to manipulate host disease resistance and physiology, as well as breeding objectives, in a directed, rather than empirical manner.
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