Exploring rhizo-microbiome transplants as a tool for protective plant-microbiome manipulation

Area of Science:

• Microbial ecology
• Plant pathology
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Engineering plant-associated microbiomes is crucial for disease management.
• Rhizosphere microbiome transplant (RMT) potential for disease control is under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate eggplant rhizosphere microbiomes and their resistance to bacterial wilt.
• Assess RMT feasibility from resistant donors to susceptible tomato.

Main Methods:

• Field trial comparing 12 eggplant varieties for disease resistance.
• Rhizosphere microbiome transplant (RMT) to susceptible tomato (MicroTom).
• Source tracking analysis and disease incidence quantification.

Main Results:

• Resistant eggplant microbiomes harbor distinct bacteria linked to disease suppression.
• RMT successfully established donor microbes in recipient tomato rhizospheres (>60%).
• RMT reduced bacterial wilt incidence by up to 47%.

Conclusions:

• RMT from resistant donors is a viable strategy to enhance plant health.
• Specific bacterial taxa associated with disease suppression were identified.
• Further research needed on ecological processes governing RMT efficacy.