Root-associated microbiomes of Gymnadenia conopsea under the combined effect of plant geographical location and developmental stage

Abstract

Background: Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br. is an important perennial terrestrial photosynthetic orchid species whose microbiomes are thought to play an important role in promoting its growth and health. However, the assemblage of G. conopsea root-associated microbial communities is poorly understood. Results: The compositions of fungal and bacterial communities from the roots and corresponding soil samples of G. conopsea across distinct biogeographical regions from two significantly different altitudes were characterized at the vegetative and reproductive growth stages. The geographical location, developmental stage and compartment were factors contributing to microbiome variation in G. conopsea. Predominant fungal taxa include Ascomycota , Basidiomycota , Mortierellomycota and Chytridiomycota , whereas Proteobacteria , Bacteroidetes , Acidobacteria , Actinobacteria , Verrucomicrobia , Chloroflexi , TM7 and Planctomycetes were predominant bacterial taxa. The fungi classes of Leotiomycetes , Agaricomycetes , Eurotiomycetes and Mortierellomycetes, as well as bacterial taxa Actinobacteria were more abundant in G. conopsea from higher altitude location. Moreover, Dark septate endophytes and Arbuscular mycorrhiza may have important role for G. conopsea to adapt to high altitude environment. Conclusions: Using G. conopsea as a model, we report a comprehensive analysis of the structural and functional composition of the G. conopsea root-associated microbiomes. Contrary to previous studies, biogeography was the main factor influencing the microbial community in this study. Although the microbial composition varied greatly by location, the symbiotic microorganisms of G. conopsea still have certain specificity. This study offers a robust knowledge of G. conopsea root-associated microbiomes and lends guidelines to the investigation of adaptation mechanism of G. conopsea in high altitude environment. Our results also laying a foundation for harnessing the microbiome for sustainable G. conopsea production. Moreover, these results might be generally applicable to other Orchidaceae plants.

Research Progress of Orchid-Fungal-Bacterial Interaction: Theory, Opportunities, and Challenges

“…During the whole process of its life cycle, especially in the early stage, because of lack of nutritional resources, it is very dependent on microorganisms. Mycorrhizae and other closely related microbes are essential for the successful completion of the life cycle of orchid plants and their continuous existence within an ecosystem (Mei et al, 2020). Orchids rely heavily on the microorganisms that inhabit their environments.…”

“…During the growth of plants, they influence the physical and chemical aspects of soil surrounding them, such as soil temperature, moisture, structure, root cell lysates, pH, and nutrients (Miki, 2012). This alteration in physicochemical properties results in changes in rhizospheric bacteria and fungal communities, subsequently impacting the host's performance and fitness (Mei et al, 2020). Microbe-mediated plantsoil feedbacks range from positive to negative, whereby either can promote species co-existence and community stabilization by affecting the fitness of key host taxa (Siefert et al, 2019).…”