What matters most? Assessment of within-canopy factors influencing the needle microbiome of the model conifer, Pinus radiata.

ABSTRACT: The assembly and function of the phyllosphere microbiome is important to the overall fitness of plants and, thereby, the ecosystems they inhabit. Presently, model systems for tree phyllosphere microbiome studies are lacking, yet forests resilient to pests, diseases, and climate change are important to support a myriad of ecosystem services impacting from local to global levels. In this study, we extend the development of model microbiome systems for trees species, particularly coniferous gymnosperms, by undertaking a structured approach assessing the phyllosphere microbiome of Pinus radiata. Canopy sampling height was the single most important factor influencing both alpha- and beta-diversity of bacterial and fungal communities (p < 0.005). Bacterial and fungal phyllosphere microbiome rich

SUBMITTER: Addison S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10230745 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature