Abstract
We investigated the root microbiomes of rice sampled from six major rice-producing regions in Ghana using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput amplicon sequencing analysis. The result showed that both bacterial and fungal community compositions were significantly varied across the regions. Bacterial communities were shaped predominantly by biotic factors, including root fungal diversity and abundance. In contrast, fungal communities were influenced by abiotic factors such as soil nitrate, total carbon and soil pH. A negative correlation between the diversity and abundance of root fungi with soil nitrate (NO3-) level was observed. It suggested that there were direct and indirect effects of NO3- on the root-associated bacterial and fungal community composition. The gradient of soil nitrate from North to South parts of Ghana may influence the composition of rice root microbiome. Bacterial community composition was shaped by fungal diversity and abundance; whereas fungal community composition was shaped by bacterial abundance. It suggested the mutualistic interaction of bacteria and fungi at the community level in the rice root microbiome. Specific bacterial and fungal taxa were detected abundantly in the ‘Northern’ regions of Ghana, which were very low or absent from the samples of other regions. The analysis of indicator species suggested that an ‘ecological specialization’ may have occurred which enabled specific microbial taxa to adapt to the local environment, such as the low-nitrate condition in the Northern regions.
Highlights
The global human population is projected to reach eight to nine billion by 2050 [1]
We found that the structure of the rice root-associated bacterial and fungal community varied significantly between regions and that local environmental factors influence the assembly of these community compositions
The bacterial communities tended to be shaped by fungal α-diversity and abundance, whereas the fungal communities tended to be shaped by abiotic factors, such as soil NO3
Summary
Overexploitation of natural resources, including fossil fuels and nonrenewable raw materials has emerged as a great challenge for agriculture. Since the production of inorganic fertilizer relies heavily on nonrenewable resources [2,3,4], it is crucial to find renewable alternatives to chemical fertilizers, especially in developing countries [5]. In West Africa, has attempted to promote rice production to feed its growing population [6], yet productivity has been low. The reported low rice yield across the nation is attributed to several factors. The major factors had been inadequate soil nutrient and inefficient fertilizer management due to low soil fertility, productivity remains low [7]. It is urgent to find alternative, renewable ways to improve soil fertility and enhance plant’s access to soil nutrients
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