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Red imported fire ant nesting affects the structure of soil microbial community
Jingjie Song1, Zhenzhen Tang2, Xueqing Zhao1
1Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|July 24, 2023
Summary
Red imported fire ants (RIFA) invasion significantly reduces soil microbial diversity and alters community composition. This impacts soil health and ecosystem function, highlighting the need for effective RIFA management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Red imported fire ants (RIFA, *Solenopsis invicta*) are invasive species with expanding ranges, causing ecological and economic damage.
- Soil microorganisms are crucial for soil health and ecosystem functioning.
- The impact of RIFA on soil microbial communities remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of RIFA invasion on soil microbial diversity and composition.
- To analyze alterations in microbial community structure and function due to RIFA presence.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene's V3-V4 variable region.
- Analysis of soil samples from RIFA-invaded nests, abandoned nests, and normal soil.
- Alpha diversity, taxonomy, and biological function annotation analyses.
Main Results:
- Soil without RIFA nests showed the highest microbial diversity.
- RIFA-invaded and abandoned nests had lower microbial diversity compared to normal soil.
- Significant differences in microbial community structure and function were observed across sample types.
Conclusions:
- RIFA invasion significantly alters soil microbial community composition and function.
- These alterations can negatively impact overall ecosystem functioning.
- Urgent development of management strategies is necessary to mitigate RIFA's ecological impact.
