Perennial Kernza cropping promotes rhizosphere microbiome stability and endophyte recruitment compared to annual wheat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Perennial cropping systems are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance microbial biodiversity and beneficial soil functions compared to annual crops. The impact of perennialization on the rhizomicrobiome and endophyte community was assessed by comparing intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, commercialized as Kernza®, hereafter called 'Kernza') and annual wheat (Triticum aestivum) associated communities across a north-south European agroclimatic gradient (Sweden, Belgium, and France) over two growing seasons and at two depths.

Results

Between the 2 years, the Kernza-associated rhizomicrobiome was more stable and exhibited greater homogeneity across depths compared to annual wheat. Kernza harboured a significantly more diverse set of crop-a

SUBMITTER: Issifu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12595868 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature