A synthetic community approach reveals plant genotypes affecting the phyllosphere microbiota.

ABSTRACT: The identity of plant host genetic factors controlling the composition of the plant microbiota and the extent to which plant genes affect associated microbial populations is currently unknown. Here, we use a candidate gene approach to investigate host effects on the phyllosphere community composition and abundance. To reduce the environmental factors that might mask genetic factors, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was used in a gnotobiotic system and inoculated with a reduced complexity synthetic bacterial community composed of seven strains representing the most abundant phyla in the phyllosphere. From a panel of 55 plant mutants with alterations in the surface structure, cell wall, defense signaling, secondary metabolism, and pathogen recognition, a small number of single host mutat

SUBMITTER: Bodenhausen N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3990490 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature