Bacterial microbiomes of individual ectomycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris roots are shaped by soil horizon and differentially sensitive to nitrogen addition

Plant roots select non‐random communities of fungi and bacteria from the surrounding soil that have effects on their health and growth, but we know little about the factors influencing their composition. We profiled bacterial microbiomes associated with individual ectomycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris roots colonized by different fungi and analyzed differences in microbiome structure related to soils from distinct podzol horizons and effects of short‐term additions of N, a growth‐limiting nutrient commonly applied as a fertilizer, but known to influence patterns of carbon allocation to roots. Ectomycorrhizal roots growing in soil from different horizons harboured distinct bacterial communities. The fungi colonizing individual roots had a strong effect on the associated bacterial communities. Even closely related species within the same ectomycorrhizal genus had distinct bacterial microbiomes in unfertilized soil, but fertilization removed this specificity. Effects of N were rapid and context dependent, being influenced by both soil type and the particular ectomycorrhizal fungi involved. Fungal community composition changed in soil from all horizons, but bacteria only responded strongly to N in soil from the B horizon where community structure was different and bacterial diversity was significantly reduced, possibly reflecting changed carbon allocation patterns.     

Molecular analysis of bacterial communities associated with the roots of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) colonized by different ectomycorrhizal fungi

We studied the effect of ectomycorrhizal fungi on bacterial communities colonizing roots of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Mycorrhizal tips were cleaned of soil and separated based on gross morphological characteristics. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers of the nuclear rRNA gene cluster indicated that the majority of the tips were colonized by fungi in the Russulaceae, with the genera Russula and Lactarius comprising 70% of the tips. Because coamplification of organellar 16S rRNA genes can interfere with bacterial community analysis of root tips, we developed and tested a new primer pair that permits amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA genes but discriminates more effectively against organellar sequences than commonly used bacterial primer sets. We then used terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene to examine differences in bacterial communities associated with the mycorrhizal tips. Cluster analysis of T-RFLP profiles indicated that there were different bacterial communities among the root tips; however, the communities did not seem to be affected by the taxonomic identity of the ectomycorrhizal fungi. Terminal restriction fragment profiling and sequencing of cloned partial 16S rRNA genes indicated that most bacteria on the ectomycorrhizal tips were related to the Alphaproteobacteria and the Bacteroidetes group.     

Bacteria associated with ectomycorrhizas of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) in south-eastern Queensland, Australia

Bacterial communities associated with ectomycorrhizal and uncolonized roots of Pinus elliottii (slash pine) collected from a plantation in south-east Queensland, Australia, were investigated, using cultivation-dependent and -independent methods. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA gene PCR products obtained using a cultivation-independent approach revealed that bacterial communities associated with ectomycorrhizal root tips differed significantly from those associated with roots uncolonized by ectomycorrhizal fungi. DGGE analysis of cultivable bacterial communities revealed no significant difference between ectomycorrhizal and uncolonized roots. Neither analytical approach revealed significant differences between the bacterial communities associated with ectomycorrhizal roots colonized by a Suillus sp. or an Atheliaceae taxon. Cloned bacterial 16S rRNA genes revealed sequence types closely related with that of Burkholderia phenazinium, common in both ectomycorrhizal-colonized and -uncolonized roots, while sequence types most similar to the potentially phyopathogenic bacteria Burkholderia andropogonis and Pantoea ananatis were only detected in ectomycorrhizal roots. These results highlight the possibility of global movement of microorganisms, including putative pathogens, as a result of the introduction of exotic pine plantations.     

16S rDNA fingerprinting of rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with healthy and Phytophthora infected avocado roots

Molecular techniques employing 16S rDNA profiles generated by PCR-DGGE were used to detect changes in bacterial community structures of the rhizosphere of avocado trees during infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi and during repeated bioaugmentation with a disease suppressive fluorescent pseudomonad. When the 16S rDNA profiles were analyzed by multivariate analysis procedures, distinct microbial communities were shown to occur on healthy and infected roots. Bacterial communities from healthy roots were represented by simple DNA banding profiles, suggestive of colonization by a few predominant species, and were approximately 80% similar in structure. In contrast, roots that were infected with Phytophthora, but which did not yet show visible symptoms of disease, were colonized by much more variable bacterial communities that had significantly different community structures from those of healthy roots. Root samples from trees receiving repeated applications of the disease suppressive bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens st. 513 were free of Phytophthora infection, and had bacterial community structures that were similar to those of nontreated healthy roots. Sequence analysis of clones generated from four predominant bands cut from the DGGE gels revealed the presence of pseudomonads, as well as several previously unidentified bacteria. Differentiation of 16S rDNA profiles for healthy and infected roots suggests that rhizosphere bacterial community structure may serve as an integrative indicator of changes in chemical and biological conditions in the plant rhizosphere during the infection process.     

Diversity and structure of ectomycorrhizal and co-associated fungal communities in a serpentine soil

The community of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and co-associated fungi from a serpentine site forested with Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea was explored, to improve the understanding of ECM diversity in naturally metalliferous soils. ECM fungi were identified by a combination of morphotyping and direct sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region 2 and of a part of the large-subunit region. Co-associated fungi from selected ECM were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of representative clones from libraries. Polymerase chain reaction with species-specific primers was applied to assess patterns of association of ECM and co-associated fungi. Twenty ECM species were differentiated. Aphyllophoralean fungi representing several basidiomycete orders and Russulaceae were dominant. Phialocephala fortinii was the most frequently encountered taxon from the diverse assemblage of ECM co-associated fungi. A ribotype representing a deeply branching ascomycete lineage known from ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequences only was detected in some ECM samples. A broad taxonomic range of fungi have the potential to successfully colonise tree roots under the extreme edaphic conditions of serpentine soils. Distribution patterns of ECM-co-associated fungi hint at the importance of specific inter-fungal interactions, which are hypothesised to be a relevant factor for the maintenance of ECM diversity.     

Differential responses of soil bacteria,fungi, archaea and protists to plant species richness and plant functional group identity

Plants are known to influence belowground microbial community structure along their roots, but the impacts of plant species richness and plant functional group (FG) identity on microbial communities in the bulk soil are still not well understood. Here, we used 454‐pyrosequencing to analyse the soil microbial community composition in a long‐term biodiversity experiment at Jena, Germany. We examined responses of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protists to plant species richness (communities varying from 1 to 60 sown species) and plant FG identity (grasses, legumes, small herbs, tall herbs) in bulk soil. We hypothesized that plant species richness and FG identity would alter microbial community composition and have a positive impact on microbial species richness. Plant species richness had a marginal positive effect on the richness of fungi, but we observed no such effect on bacteria, archaea and protists. Plant species richness also did not have a large impact on microbial community composition. Rather, abiotic soil properties partially explained the community composition of bacteria, fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), archaea and protists. Plant FG richness did not impact microbial community composition; however, plant FG identity was more effective. Bacterial richness was highest in legume plots and lowest in small herb plots, and AMF and archaeal community composition in legume plant communities was distinct from that in communities composed of other plant FGs. We conclude that soil microbial community composition in bulk soil is influenced more by changes in plant FG composition and abiotic soil properties, than by changes in plant species richness per se.     

Bacterial communities associated with the lichen symbiosis

Lichens are commonly described as a mutualistic symbiosis between fungi and "algae" (Chlorophyta or Cyanobacteria); however, they also have internal bacterial communities. Recent research suggests that lichen-associated microbes are an integral component of lichen thalli and that the classical view of this symbiotic relationship should be expanded to include bacteria. However, we still have a limited understanding of the phylogenetic structure of these communities and their variability across lichen species. To address these knowledge gaps, we used bar-coded pyrosequencing to survey the bacterial communities associated with lichens. Bacterial sequences obtained from four lichen species at multiple locations on rock outcrops suggested that each lichen species harbored a distinct community and that all communities were dominated by Alphaproteobacteria. Across all samples, we recovered numerous bacterial phylotypes that were closely related to sequences isolated from lichens in prior investigations, including those from a lichen-associated Rhizobiales lineage (LAR1; putative N(2) fixers). LAR1-related phylotypes were relatively abundant and were found in all four lichen species, and many sequences closely related to other known N(2) fixers (e.g., Azospirillum, Bradyrhizobium, and Frankia) were recovered. Our findings confirm the presence of highly structured bacterial communities within lichens and provide additional evidence that these bacteria may serve distinct functional roles within lichen symbioses.     

Diversity of fungi in hair roots of Ericaceae varies along a vegetation gradient

Ericaceous dwarf shrubs including Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium spp. occur both in open heathland communities and in forest ecosystems as understory vegetation. Ericaceous shrubs were once thought to form ericoid mycorrhizal associations with a relatively narrow range of ascomycetous fungi closely related to, and including, Rhizoscyphus ericae. However, perceptions have recently changed since the realization that a broader range of ascomycete fungi, and in some cases basidiomycete fungi, can also form associations with the roots of ericaceous plants. We used a combination of molecular approaches, including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism, cloning and sequencing, to investigate the diversity of fungi associated with C. vulgaris roots collected across a heathland/native Scots pine forest vegetation gradient. We also determined differences in fungal community composition between roots of co-occurring C. vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus in the forest understory. Collectively, the data show that a large diversity of potentially ericoid mycorrhizal fungal taxa associate with roots of C. vulgaris and V. myrtillus, and that ascomycetes were about 2.5 times more frequent than basidiomycetes. The assemblages of fungi associated with C. vulgaris and V. myrtillus were different. In addition, the community of fungi associated with C. vulgaris hair roots was different for samples collected from the forest, open heathland and a transition zone between the two. This separation was partly, but not entirely, due to the occurrence of typical ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes associated with the hair roots of C. vulgaris in the forest understory. These data demonstrate that forest understory ericaceous shrubs associate with a diverse range of ascomycete and basidiomycete taxa, including typical ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes.     

Suitability of mycorrhiza-defective mutant/wildtype plant pairs (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Micro-Tom) to address questions in mycorrhizal soil ecology

The ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi associated with Pinus thunbergii seedlings grown on sand dune were identified by molecular method, and the diversity of bacteria associated with ECM and Extraradical mycelium were examined by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA. The mycorrhizal formation rate of 1-year old P. thunbergii seedlings was more than 95%. Cenococcum geophilum was the most dominant ECM fungus, followed by T01, RFLP-8, Russula spp., and Suillus sp. Bacterial community was most diverse with C. geophilum- and RFLP-8-mycorrhiza. Sequencing analysis showed that Burkholderia spp. and Bradyrhizobium spp. were on the surface of ECM short root of seven ECM. The fungi detected as extraradical mycelium using DGGE of 18S rDNA were Suillus bovinus and RFLP-8-mycorrhiza. Bacterial community on the extraradical mycelium was more diverse than those on ECM root tip. Burkholderia spp. and Bradyrhizobium spp. were found also on extraradical mycelium.     

An assessment of plant growth and N<Subscript>2</Subscript> fixation in soybean genotypes grown in uninoculated soils collected from different locations in Ethiopia

Pinus heldreichii H. Christ. is a tertiary relict and endemic to the western Balkans and southern part of Apennine peninsula. It is an Oro-Mediterranean species occurring at altitudes between 1200 and 2000 m and primarily on calcareous soils. P. heldreichii forests are of key importance for nature conservation, protection against gravitational natural hazards, landscape conservation and recreation. However, these forests are currently highly fragmented and require the elaboration of guidelines for sustainable management and conservation that should be based on scientific knowledge. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are important for successful regeneration, establishment and growth of P. heldreichii. The aim of this study was to investigate ECM and other fungal communities associated with fine roots of P. heldreichii at two different sites in Ku?i Mountains, south-eastern Montenegro. Roots and soil were sampled from 70 trees. Soil was subjected to chemical analyses, fine roots were morphotyped and selected root morphotypes were Sanger sequenced using ITS rDNA as a marker. Sequencing resulted in 431 high-quality sequences representing 147 different fungal species including a large number of ECM species. The most common species were ECM fungi Lactarius sanguifluus (5.1%), Wilcoxina rehmii (4.2%) and Amphinema sp. KK28 (3.2%). Climatic factors were similar between the sites, but site size, inclination, elevation, tree age (old growth versus young trees), and some soil characteristics differed. The results demonstrate relatively high fungal diversity and site-specific effects on abundance and composition of fungal communities in fine roots of P. heldreichii growing in high-altitude marginal habitats.     

Ericoid mycorrhizal colonization and associated fungal communities along a wetland gradient in the Acadian forest of Eastern Canada

Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, and ericaceous plants are important components of these habitats. However, the ecology of fungi associated with ericaceous roots in these habitats is poorly known. To investigate fungi associated with ericaceous roots in wetlands, ericoid mycorrhizal colonization was quantified, and fungal communities were characterized on the roots of Gaultheria hispidula and Kalmia angustifolia along two upland – forested wetland transects in spring and fall. Ericoid mycorrhizal colonization was significantly higher in the wetlands for both plant species. Both upland and wetland habitats supported distinct assemblages of ericaceous root associated fungi including habitat specific members of the genus Serendipita. Habitat was a stronger driver of ericoid mycorrhizal colonization and ericaceous root associated community composition than host or sampling season, with differences related to soil water content, soil nutrient content, or both. Our results indicate that ericaceous plant roots in forested wetlands are heavily colonized by habitat specific symbionts.     

Fungal soil communities in a young transgenic poplar plantation form a rich reservoir for fungal root communities

Fungal communities play a key role in ecosystem functioning. However, only little is known about their composition in plant roots and the soil of biomass plantations. The goal of this study was to analyze fungal biodiversity in their belowground habitats and to gain information on the strategies by which ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi form colonies. In a 2-year-old plantation, fungal communities in the soil and roots of three different poplar genotypes (Populus × canescens, wildtype and two transgenic lines with suppressed cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity) were analyzed by 454 pyrosequencing targeting the rDNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS) region. The results were compared with the dynamics of the root-associated ECM community studied by morphotyping/Sanger sequencing in two subsequent years. Fungal species and family richness in the soil were surprisingly high in this simple plantation ecosystem, with 5944 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 186 described fungal families. These findings indicate the importance that fungal species are already available for colonization of plant roots (2399 OTUs and 115 families). The transgenic modification of poplar plants had no influence on fungal root or soil communities. Fungal families and OTUs were more evenly distributed in the soil than in roots, probably as a result of soil plowing before the establishment of the plantation. Saprophytic, pathogenic, and endophytic fungi were the dominating groups in soil, whereas ECMs were dominant in roots (87%). Arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity was higher in soil than in roots. Species richness of the root-associated ECM community, which was low compared with ECM fungi detected by 454 analyses, increased after 1 year. This increase was mainly caused by ECM fungal species already traced in the preceding year in roots. This result supports the priority concept that ECMs present on roots have a competitive advantage over soil-localized ECM fungi.     

The ectomycorrhizal symbiosis between Lactarius deliciosus and Pinus sylvestris in forest soil samples: symbiotic efficiency and development on roots of a rDNA internal transcribed spacer-selected isolate of L. deliciosus

The effect on plant growth of pre-inoculation of Pinus sylvestris with the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) edible basidiomycete Lactarius deliciosus (isolate D45) under controlled conditions, and the development on roots of this basidiomycete, were investigated in gamma-irradiated and unsterilized containers containing different forest soil cores or a perlite-vermiculite mixture. Five months after planting, L. deliciosus mycorrhizal plants exhibited greater growth than the non-mycorrhizal ones in all soil types, i.e. up to a 325% increase in shoot height in the sterilized soils. The experiment demonstrated the dependency of P. sylvestris seedlings upon ECM symbiosis for their survival in gamma-irradiated, microbiologically disturbed soil samples. Furthermore, in two soils, the growth of L. deliciosus-inoculated seedlings was greater in the sterilized soil samples than in the non-sterilized ones, i.e. 46% and 132% increase in shoot height under sterilized soil conditions. In containers randomly sampled from each soil type, the degree of root colonization by the inoculated isolate, calculated as the number of mycorrhizal root tips divided by the total number of root tips x100, ranged from 80% to 35%. Within the short term, the inoculated isolate developed rapidly on roots, dominated, and hampered ectomycorrhiza formation by various unidentified (but not Lactarius) resident ECM fungi in unsterilized soil types. Results indicate that the ECM species L. deliciosus is worth investigating to ascertain if other isolates benefit pine growth like the isolate D45, and are therefore also attractive candidates for forestry applications in the Mediterranean area.     

Compatible host/mycorrhizal fungus combinations for micropropagated sea oats

Micropropagation technology promises to improve the supply of sea oats for restoring Florida's eroded beaches, but concerns about genetic diversity need to be addressed. These dune plants are colonized by a wide array of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, yet little is know of the diversity of these fungal communities. Our goal was to test the level of functional diversity that exists among communities of AM fungi that are present in divergent Florida dunes. Community pot cultures were established from samples collected from ten transects in two Gulf coast and two Atlantic coast locations in Florida, and these were used to conduct two greenhouse studies. The objective of the first study was to evaluate within-location variance in the mycorrhizal function of different AM fungal communities associated with endemic sea oats. The objective of the second study was to evaluate among-location responses of plant and fungal ecotypes using selected combinations obtained from the first experiment. Within locations, the AM fungal community had significant impacts on shoot mass and shoot-P contents, confirming a range of symbiotic effectiveness exists within the beach-dune system. Among locations, there was a tendency for greater root colonization between host clones and fungal communities from the same location, indicating a degree of specificity between host ecotypes and their symbiotic fungi. Relative to plant growth response, one fungal community was superior across plant genotypes from all locations, while one plant genotype tended to have the best response across all fungal communities. These data suggest that while it is possible to select effective AM fungal-host combinations for outplanting, origin of host and AM fungi have little predictive value in screening these combinations.     

Protozoan communities around conifer roots colonized by ectomycorrhizal fungi

Protozoan communities around roots with different types of ectomycorrhizae were distinct. These protozoan communities differed both qualitatively and quantitatively with the host (Pinus ponderosa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea sitchensis, Tsuga heterophylla and Abies grandis) and the ectomycorrhizal fungal species. Based on the species identified and the numbers of individuals of each species, six communities of protozoa were found associated with specific ectomycorrhizae. Previous researchers have shown that mycorrhizal colonization of roots alters the amounts and types of exudates produced by roots, which in turn alters the bacterial community present. Most likely, mycorrhizal colonization of roots influences the protozoan community around roots by controlling the bacterial community. However, the protozoan community may in turn influence the successional dynamics of ectomycorrhizal fungi on different host root systems by a variety of mechanisms. These mechanisms could include: (1) preying upon individuals and perhaps removing particular species of bacteria from the mycorrhizosphere; and (2) controlling nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere. Further work needs to be performed to determine the interaction between these quadrate (plant-bacteria-fungi-protozoa) associations.     

Structure and species composition of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities colonizing seedlings and adult trees of Pinus montezumae in Mexican neotropical forests

Mexico is a center of diversity for pines, but few studies have examined the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities associated with pines in this country. We investigated the ECM communities associated with Pinus montezumae seedlings and mature trees in neotropical forests of central Mexico and compared their structure and species composition. Root tips were sampled on both planted seedlings and naturally occurring adult trees. A total of 42 ECM operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was found on P.?montezumae. Diversity and similarity indices showed that community structure was similar for both plant growth stages, but phylogenetic diversity and Chao-estimated richness were higher for seedlings. Species composition differed between communities. The dominant OTUs belonged to the families Atheliaceae, Cortinariaceae, and Sebacinaceae, although different taxa appeared to colonize seedlings and adults. Only 12 OTUs were shared between seedlings and adults, which suggests that ECM fungi which colonize seedlings are still not fully incorporated into mycelial networks and that ECM taxa colonizing young individuals of P.?montezumae are likely to come from fungal propagules. Intra-generic diversity could be an insurance mechanism to maintain forest productivity under stressed conditions. This is the first report describing the abundance of Atheliaceae in tree roots in neotropical ecosystems.     

Long-term effect of apatite on ectomycorrhizal growth and community structure

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are efficient at taking up phosphorus (P) from mineral sources, such as apatite, which are not easily available to the host trees. Since ECM fungal species differ in P uptake rates, it can be expected that the composition of the ECM fungal community will change upon exposure to apatite, provided that the P transfer is rewarded by more carbon being transferred to the fungal symbiont. Control and apatite-amended mesh bags were buried in pairs in the humus layer of a P-poor Norway spruce forest. The ECM fungal community that colonized these bags was analyzed by DNA extraction, PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, cloning, and random sequencing. Fungal biomass was estimated by ergosterol analysis. No change in the ECM fungal community structure was seen after 5?years of apatite exposure, although the fungal biomass increased threefold upon apatite amendment. Our results indicate that host trees enhance carbon allocation to ECM fungi colonizing P sources in P-poor forests but the lack of change in the composition of the ECM fungal community suggests that P transfer rates were similar among the species. Alternatively, higher P transfer among certain species was not rewarded with higher carbon transfer from the host.     

Diversity and composition of ectomycorrhizal community on seedling roots: the role of host preference and soil origin

As the main source of inocula, ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal propagules are critical for root colonization and seedling survival in deforested areas. It is essential to know factors that may affect the diversity and composition of ECM fungal community on roots of seedlings planted in deforest areas during reforestation. We quantitatively evaluated the effect of host plant and soil origin on ECM fungal propagule community structure established on roots of Castanopsis fargesii, Lithocarpus harlandii, Pinus armandii, and Pinus massoniana growing in soils from local natural forests and from sites deforested by clear-cut logging in the 1950s and 1960s. ECM root tips were sampled in April, July, and October of 2006, and ECM fungal communities were determined using ECM root morphotyping, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-RFLP, and ITS sequencing. A total of 36 ECM fungal species were observed in our study, and species richness varied with host species and soil origin. Decreased colonization rates were found in all host species except for L. harlandii, and reduced species richness was found in all host species except for P. armandii in soil from the deforested site, which implied the great changes in ECM fungal community composition. Our results showed that 33.3% variance in ECM fungal community composition could be explained by host plant species and 4.6% by soil origin. Results of indicator species analysis demonstrated that 14 out of 19 common ECM fungal species showed significant preference to host plant species, suggesting that the host preference of ECM fungi was one of the most important mechanisms in structuring ECM fungal community. Accordingly, the host plant species should be taken into account in the reforestation of deforested areas due to the strong and commonly existed host preference of ECM fungi.     

高通量测序分析甘肃高寒草原瑞香狼毒根内生菌群落结构特征研究

【背景】瑞香狼毒是我国天然草地退化的标志性植物之一,在入侵的过程中其根内微生物发挥着重要的作用,探究瑞香狼毒根内微生物群落对有益微生物资源的利用及生物防控瑞香狼毒具有重要意义。【目的】探究甘肃省祁连山东麓不同高寒草原毒性杂草瑞香狼毒根部内生真菌和细菌的组成、多样性等群落结构特征。【方法】通过Illumina MiSeq高通量测序技术对甘肃祁连山东麓不同高寒草原的瑞香狼毒根部内生菌组成及多样性进行分析。【结果】不同高寒草原瑞香狼毒根内子囊菌门(Ascomycota)在真菌中占优势地位;蓝细菌(Cyanobacteria)、变形菌门(Proteobacteria)、放线菌门(Actinobacteria)在根内生细菌中属于优势类群。G4样点的真菌和细菌OTU(OperationalTaxonomic Unit)数量和Shannon多样性指数均高于其他4个采样点。主坐标分析(Principal Coordinate Analysis,PCoA)表明,不同高寒草原瑞香狼毒根内生菌群落之间存在一定的差异。One-Way ANOVA分析结合Pearson相关性分析显示,不同样地瑞香狼毒真菌群落结构在属水平上相关性较小,而细菌在属水平存在一定的相关性。【结论】本研究为进一步开发利用瑞香狼毒内生真菌和细菌资源、阐明瑞香狼毒内生菌群的群落结构和生态功能提供理论参考。     

Novel root fungal consortium associated with a dominant desert grass

The broad distribution and high colonization rates of plant roots by a variety of endophytic fungi suggest that these symbionts have an important role in the function of ecosystems. Semiarid and arid lands cover more than one-third of the terrestrial ecosystems on Earth. However, a limited number of studies have been conducted to characterize root-associated fungal communities in semiarid grasslands. We conducted a study of the fungal community associated with the roots of a dominant grass, Bouteloua gracilis, at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. Internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequences from roots collected in May 2005, October 2005, and January 2006 were amplified using fungal-specific primers, and a total of 630 sequences were obtained, 69% of which were novel (less than 97% similarity with respect to sequences in the NCBI database). B. gracilis roots were colonized by at least 10 different orders, including endophytic, coprophilous, mycorrhizal, saprophytic, and plant pathogenic fungi. A total of 51 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found, and diversity estimators did not show saturation. Despite the high diversity found within B. gracilis roots, the root-associated fungal community is dominated by a novel group of dark septate fungi (DSF) within the order Pleosporales. Microscopic analysis confirmed that B. gracilis roots are highly colonized by DSF. Other common orders colonizing the roots included Sordariales, Xylariales, and Agaricales. By contributing to drought tolerance and nutrient acquisition, DSF may be integral to the function of arid ecosystems.