Intercropping-mediated enrichment of core microbiome enhances suppression of Verticillium wilt in cotton.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb., is a devastating soilborne disease threatening global cotton production. Intercropping is a sustainable agricultural practice known to suppress soilborne diseases, yet the microbiome-mediated mechanisms underlying its efficacy against Verticillium wilt remain poorly understood.

Results

A three-year field trial (2019-2021) showed that intercropping cotton with mustard significantly reduced Verticillium wilt severity (32.11-39.2%), increased yield (13.88-23.22%), and lowered soil microsclerotia density. Intercropping reshaped soil microbial communities and enriched a core set of beneficial taxa compared to monocropping, generating more complex and cooperative rhizosphere networks during flowering and boll stag

SUBMITTER: Yang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12837047 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature