Microbiome diversity and variations in industrial hemp genotypes

Area of Science:

• Plant science
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Microbes are vital for plant health and development.
• Plant-associated microbial communities are influenced by environmental factors and host genetics.
• Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) harbors diverse microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the endophytic and rhizosphere microbial communities of different industrial hemp genotypes.
• To compare microbial diversity and composition between cannabidiol (CBD) and fiber hemp varieties.
• To identify core-microbiome species associated with specific hemp genotypes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of endophytic and rhizosphere microbial communities in four industrial hemp varieties (two CBD, two fiber).
• Assessment of microbial diversity indices (bacterial and fungal) in roots, stems, and soil.
• Identification of core bacterial and fungal species across different genotypes using sequencing data.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in microbiome diversity were observed across hemp varieties, particularly in roots and stems.
• Fungal and bacterial endophyte diversity was abundant in roots, with higher fungal than bacterial diversity in stems.
• Specific bacterial genera (Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Microbacterium, Rhizobium) and fungal genera (Alternaria, Gibberella, Penicillium, Nigrospora) were differentially abundant between CBD and fiber genotypes.

Conclusions:

• Distinct hemp genotypes recruit specialized microbial communities in their rhizosphere and phyllosphere.
• Core-microbiome species can be leveraged to enhance hemp plant growth and target specific genotypic traits.
• Understanding genotype-specific microbial associations is crucial for optimizing hemp cultivation and trait development.