Complex phyllosphere microbiome aids in the establishment of the invasive macrophyteHydrilla verticillata(L.) under conditions of nitrogen scarcity

Abstract

Despite the low availability of nitrogen (N), the highly productive macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata (L.) is a successful invader of the littoral zones at lake Atitlán, Guatemala, with profound implications for lake ecology. To help answer the question of how Hydrilla, accompanied by the filamentous green alga Cladophora Kützing (Ulvophyceae), sustains fast growth under conditions of N scarcity, we studied the composition and potential biogeochemical function of the associated microbiomes. We combined results from next generation sequencing of associated bacterial and fungal assemblages with traditional microscopy-based taxonomical evaluation of algae and cyanobacteria. We focused on the presence of specific N2-fixing genera and their relative importance. Data on community composition are complemented with measurements of diazotrophic activity. The results expand our knowledge of the ecophysiology of these algae-plant-microbe consortia and suggest that several levels of biological complexity should be considered to fully understand aquatic plant ecology and the process of macrophyte invasions.

Impacts of global change on the phyllosphere microbiome

“…( 2021b , 2021 ) reported that the phyllosphere microbiome is involved in the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes in the urban green facade. Another report (Bárta et al ., 2021 ) suggests that the phyllosphere microbiome aids in the establishment of the invasive macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata L. under conditions of nitrogen scarcity. Increasing evidence shows that global change has pervasive impacts on plant health and ecosystem functioning, and harnessing the beneficial functions provided by the phyllosphere microbiome to enhance plant growth and fitness to face such impacts is considered a viable sustainable approach.…”

Phyllosphere Microorganisms: Sources, Drivers, and Their Interactions with Plant Hosts

“…For instance, phyllosphere microorganisms involved in the transmission of ARGs in the urban green facade 135 and the reproduction of the invasive macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata L. under conditions of nitrogen scarcity. 136…”

“…On the other hand, some studies show negative impacts of phyllosphere microorganisms on the host. For instance, phyllosphere microorganisms involved in the transmission of ARGs in the urban green facade and the reproduction of the invasive macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata L. under conditions of nitrogen scarcity …”