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The interplay between scion genotype, root microbiome, and Neonectria ditissima apple canker
Hamish McLean1,2, Alexey Mikaberidze2, Greg Deakin1
1Niab, New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ, United Kingdom.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|January 23, 2025
Summary
Site location significantly impacts apple canker severity by altering root microbiomes. Specific beneficial microbes like Rhizophagus irregularis and Bradyrhizobium were linked to reduced disease in apple trees.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
- Horticulture
Background:
- European apple canker, caused by Neonectria ditissima, exhibits variable severity influenced by location and apple genotype.
- Root-associated microbial communities play a crucial role in plant health and disease resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of location, cold storage/planting season, and apple scion genotype on root-associated microbial communities.
- To determine if specific microbial taxa abundance correlates with European apple canker lesion counts.
Main Methods:
- Seven apple scion cultivars grafted onto M9 rootstocks were inoculated with N. ditissima.
- Trees were planted in December 2018 or stored and planted in April 2019 across three UK sites.
- Root samples were collected in June 2021, and microbial communities were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and amplicon sequencing (ITS/16S rRNA).
Main Results:
- Site was the primary driver of microbiome size, diversity, and composition.
- Cold storage/planting season had minor but significant long-term effects on the microbiome.
- Scion genotype influenced specific root-associated taxa abundance, while bacterial alpha-diversity correlated with canker counts in a site-specific manner.
- Increased abundance of fungal taxa (Rhizophagus irregularis, Epicoccum nigrum) and bacterial taxa (Amycolatopsis, Bradyrhizobium) was associated with reduced canker lesions.
Conclusions:
- Location is a critical factor shaping apple tree root microbiomes and influencing disease susceptibility.
- Specific root-associated microbes, including Rhizophagus irregularis, Epicoccum nigrum, Amycolatopsis, and Bradyrhizobium, show potential as biomarkers for reduced European apple canker severity.
