Plant microbiota modified by plant domestication.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Human dependence on agriculture began ~10,000 years ago with crop domestication.
• Domestication impacts plant traits like root architecture and defense, affecting plant microbiota.
• Plant microbiota significantly influence plant growth and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the microbial communities of domesticated crops and their wild ancestors.
• To investigate the effects of domestication on plant-associated bacteria.
• To explore the potential of wild plant microbiomes as a resource for agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of existing data on microbiomes from cereals and legumes.
• Examination of microbial differences between domesticated plants and their wild progenitors.
• Review of studies on plant microbiota variability.

Main Results:

• Differences in bacterial communities were observed between some domesticated and wild plant microbiomes.
• Domestication has led to modifications in plant microbiota composition.
• Significant variability exists within plant microbiomes.

Conclusions:

• Crop domestication has reshaped plant-associated bacterial communities.
• Further research with robust sampling and functional approaches is needed to confirm these differences.
• Wild plant microbiomes represent a potential source of beneficial microbes for crop improvement.