Microorganisms Move a Short Distance into an Almond Orchard from an Adjacent Upwind Poultry Operation.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Food Safety

Background:

• Movement of microorganisms from animal operations to adjacent crops is poorly understood.
• Assessing microbial transfer is crucial for understanding food safety risks in agricultural settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transfer of microorganisms and dust from a poultry operation to an adjacent almond orchard.
• To analyze the impact of poultry-associated microbes on the almond orchard's phyllosphere microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Collected soil, air, and almond leaf samples over two years from orchards near and far from a poultry operation.
• Analyzed samples for aerobic plate count, Escherichia coli, coliforms, Salmonella, bacterial community structure (16S rRNA gene sequencing), and leaf surface dust.
• Compared microbial loads and community structure at varying distances downwind from the poultry source.

Main Results:

• Escherichia coli was significantly more prevalent in air samples from the orchard near the poultry operation (20%) compared to control orchards (0.48%).
• Leaf surface dust and Staphylococcaceae abundance (a poultry-associated bacteria) were significantly higher on trees closest to the poultry operation.
• Salmonella was not detected in any samples, but the overall bacterial community structure on leaves was altered by proximity to the poultry farm.

Conclusions:

• Poultry-associated microorganisms and dust can be transported short distances downwind into adjacent almond orchards.
• This microbial transfer alters the phyllosphere microbiome, indicating a potential pathway for foodborne pathogen contamination.
• Findings provide valuable insights for growers to assess and mitigate food safety risks associated with nearby animal operations.