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The bryophyte rhizoid-sphere microbiome responds to water deficit
Roland Berdaguer1, Nicky van der Wielen1, Zulema Carracedo Lorenzo1,2
1Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|July 30, 2024
Summary
Bryophytes, like vascular plants, host distinct rhizoid-sphere microbes that change under drought. This study reveals conserved plant-microbe drought responses across land plant evolution.
Area of Science:
- Plant and Microbial Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Plant roots harbor microbial communities crucial for health and stress tolerance.
- Drought significantly impacts crop yield and rhizosphere microbiomes in vascular plants.
- The rhizoid-sphere microbiome of nonvascular bryophytes is largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rhizoid-sphere microbiome of three bryophyte species.
- To assess the impact of drought stress on bryophyte rhizoid-sphere microbial communities.
- To compare bryophyte responses to angiosperm responses under drought.
Main Methods:
- Amplicon sequencing was used to analyze microbial communities.
- Three bryophyte species (Marchantia polymorpha, Marchantia paleacea, Physcomitrium patens) were studied.
- Drought and well-watered conditions were compared.
Main Results:
- Distinct rhizoid-sphere microbial communities were observed between bryophyte species.
- Drought induced both conserved and unique changes in microbial composition.
- Changes at the phylum level mirrored those in angiosperm rhizospheres.
- Bryophyte species showed differential colonization by nitrogen-fixing and plant growth-promoting taxa.
- Marchantia polymorpha prioritized belowground growth under osmotic stress.
Conclusions:
- Bryophytes and angiosperms exhibit parallels in rhizo(id-)sphere interactions.
- Evolutionary conservation of drought stress responses is suggested among land plants.
- Bryophyte rhizoid-sphere microbiome composition is host-specific and responsive to drought.
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