No abstract

Purpose Plant invasion provides an excellent working model for understanding the effects of soil microbial communities associated with natural plant populations. In this study, we investigated the diversity and abundance of soil microbial communities of Chromolaena odorata, one of the most invasive weeds, and Tridax procumbent, a native plant in the same family. Methods Elemental analysis of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in soil samples was performed using a CHN analyzer. Meta-genome analyses were performed using Oxford Nanopore sequencing. The data assembly, analysis, and classifications of all functional categories were performed using the SqueezeMeta v1.0.0 Pipeline.ResultsThere is an increase in pH along with an increase in C, H, and N in the soil of the invasive plant C. odorata. Copiotrophic microbiome along with the gene families responsible for transport, metabolism of carbohydrates and cellular processes are more abundant in C. odorata soil. In contrast, oligotrophic microbial communities along with gene families involved in energy production and cellular maintenance are more abundant in the T. procumbens soil.ConclusionOur studies show the association of plant invasion with an increase in nutrient cycling and foster the development of copiotrophic organisms, including Bacteroides. This is associated with an increase in carbohydrate metabolism and substrate utilization, as well as activation of pathways for stress adaptation and resistance.