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Kelp-associated Microbiota are Structured by Host Anatomy1
Matthew A Lemay1,2, Katherine M Davis2, Patrick T Martone1,2
1Hakai Institute, PO Box 309, Heriot Bay, British Columbia, V0P 1H0, Canada.
Journal of Phycology
|March 22, 2021
Summary
Microbial communities on kelp vary by tissue age and anatomy. Younger kelp tissues host fewer microbes, while older tissues show greater microbial richness, a pattern seen across multiple species.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Ecology of seaweed-microbe symbioses
Background:
- Seaweed-associated microbiota are crucial for marine ecosystems and host health.
- The fine-scale ecology of seaweed-microbe interactions remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microbial community structure across different anatomical regions of the kelp Laminaria setchellii.
- To determine if tissue age influences microbial community composition and richness.
Main Methods:
- Quantified bacterial (16S rRNA gene) and microeukaryote (18S rRNA gene) communities.
- Compared microbial communities across kelp holdfasts, stipes, blade bases, and blade tips.
- Analyzed samples from kelp recruits and two additional algal species.
Main Results:
- Microbial community composition differed significantly across anatomical regions of L. setchellii.
- Older tissues (holdfasts, blade tips) had higher microbial richness than younger tissues (meristematic regions).
- Similar patterns were observed in new kelp recruits and other algal species, indicating early establishment.
Conclusions:
- Tissue age and anatomical location significantly shape seaweed-associated microbial communities.
- These microbial differences are established early in kelp development.
- The observed pattern suggests a common feature of seaweed microbiomes across species.
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