The structure and function of the global citrus rhizosphere microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Plant Science
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• The rhizosphere microbiome significantly influences citrus growth and health.
• Global citrus production relies on understanding these microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze the structural and functional composition of the citrus rhizosphere microbiome.
• To identify key microbial taxa and functional traits involved in plant-microbe interactions and growth promotion.

Main Methods:

• Utilized amplicon and deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
• Analyzed bulk soil and rhizosphere samples from six continents.
• Examined microbial communities across distinct biogeographical regions.

Main Results:

• Identified predominant bacterial phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes.
• Established a core citrus rhizosphere microbiome including genera like Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, and Bradyrhizobium.
• Discovered over-represented microbial functional traits related to nutrition acquisition and plant growth promotion.

Conclusions:

• The citrus rhizosphere microbiome has a defined core structure and functional capacity.
• Findings provide a foundation for isolating beneficial microbes.
• Potential to harness microbiome power for improved citrus production and plant health.