Contrasting Microbial Taxonomic and Functional Colonisation Patterns in Wild Populations of the Pan-Palaeotropical C4 Grass, Themeda triandra.

ABSTRACT: The interactions between native plants and soil microbiota are not well characterised, despite growing recognition of their importance for host plant fitness and ecological functioning. We used shotgun metagenomics to examine microbial taxonomic and functional colonisation patterns in wild populations of the pan-palaeotropical C4 grass, Themeda triandra, across a globally representative aridity gradient (aridity index 0.318-0.903). We investigated these patterns through the two-step selection process whereby microbes are recruited from bulk soils into rhizospheres (soil on the root surface), and root interiors (endospheres). We provide clear evidence of this process through decreasing microbial taxonomic diversity from bulk soil to T. triandra roots. Surprisingly, microbial functional pote

SUBMITTER: Hodgson RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12675983 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature