Unveiling Plant-Beneficial Function as Seen in Bacteria Genes from Termite Mound Soil

Abstract

The use of termite mound soils in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth, especially in areas with poor soil conditions, has been recommended by many research studies. Most of these recommendations are, however, based on the high nutrient levels in termite mound soils. Thus, this study aimed to verify if plant growth-promoting bacteria in termite soils also play a role in improving plant growth. To achieve our purpose, we made an effort in characterizing the bacterial genes contributing to plantbeneficial function in termite mound soils with the shotgun metagenomics method. Results from this study revealed the presence of bacterial genes involved in the production of siderophores, acetoin, trehalose, phenazine, butanediol, 4-hydroxybenzoate, chitinase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, quorum sensing molecules, and mineral phosphate solubilization. In addition, we identified bacterial genes involved in the manufacturing of catalases, peroxidases, and superoxide dismutases that confer resistance to oxidative stresses in plants. Bacterial genes responsible for glycine-betaine production and cold and heat shock tolerance which helps in withstanding abiotic stress, were also present. With these plant growth-promoting traits observed in bacteria from termite mound soils, we recommend the isolation and the use of termite mound soil bacteria both in greenhouse and field trials to further ascertain their potential in improving soil fertility and crop production.

Shotgun Metagenomic Survey of Maize Soil Rhizobiome

“…Soil samples were collected in triplicate from the rhizosphere of maize from two different farms in North West Province in South Africa. Samples from farms located at Lichtenburg (25°59′40.4ʺS, 26°31′44.5ʺE) (sample Ls) and Randfontein (26°11′52.0ʺS, 27°33′18.3ʺE) (sample Rs) were collected at a radius of 3 cm from the plant, at a depth of 20 cm, with an area of 2 by 4 m 2 ; the surrounding soils were collected from an adjacent area 10 m from each sampling site ( 3 ). The collected samples were transported to the laboratory in a cooler box filled with ice and were stored at −20°C for 1 week.…”

Termite Societies Promote the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Archaeal Communities in Mound Soils

“…Braklaagte (25 • C in winter and summer, respectively. The annual precipitation of the province is roughly 360 mm, with most falling in the middle of October and April [17]. A 5 cm diameter split tube auger was used to collect soil samples of 50 g at a 1 m depth from termite mound soils populated by the Coptotermes species.…”

The importance of adverse soil microbiomes in the light of omics: Implications for food safety

“…The unmatched spillage of toxic substances in the environment and exhaust from industries has led to the hindrance of plant growth. The consumption of plants harboring these compounds can induce long-term effects on lives (Enagbonma and Babalola 2020). Withal, human practices and excessive use of chemicals alter biochemical structure of the soil and microbial functional diversity.…”

“…Microbial inhabitants of soil are prone to change based on the gradient of the environment and agricultural practices (Igiehon et al 2019). Also, the depletion in soil physico-chemical properties is as a result of altitudinal change in the soil rhizosphere community (Enagbonma and Babalola 2020). These organisms interact with their host plant in different ways such as in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere (Figure 1).…”

“…Furthermore, the use of shotgun for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes in environmental samples involves extraction of DNA with the aim of identifying all cells in the community (Nayfach et al 2015, Enagbonma andBabalola 2020). Therefore, instead of targeting a specific locus for amplification, the whole genome is sequenced to assess the microbial community in the sample.…”