Diversity, function and assembly of mangrove root-associated microbial communities at a continuous fine-scale

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mangrove roots host diverse microbial communities essential for ecosystem functions.
• Understanding microbial assembly and function across fine-scale root niches is crucial but remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bacterial and fungal community diversity, function, and assembly across four mangrove root compartments (nonrhizosphere, rhizosphere, episphere, endosphere).
• To elucidate the role of niche differentiation and root exudates in shaping these microbial communities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized amplicon and metagenome sequencing to analyze microbial communities.
• Compared bacterial and fungal distributions and functions across distinct root compartments.

Main Results:

• Significant divergence in bacterial and fungal community distribution and function was observed across the four root compartments.
• The endosphere showed higher gene abundance for carbohydrate metabolism, lipid transport, and methane production, with lower abundance for sulfur reduction genes.
• Roots exhibited a more selective role in fungal community assembly compared to bacterial communities, with endosphere bacteria largely originating from the nonrhizosphere.

Conclusions:

• Mangrove root systems display niche differentiation, influencing microbial community structure and function.
• Soil-root interfaces play a critical role in selectively shaping fungal community assembly within mangrove roots.