Maize Phyllosphere Microbial Community Niche Development Across Stages of Host Leaf Growth.

ABSTRACT: Background: The phyllosphere hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, which can play a positive role in the success of the host plant. Bacterial communities in the phylloplane are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, including host plant surface topography and chemistry, which change in concert with microbial communities as the plant leaves develop and age. Methods: We examined how the Zea mays L. leaf microbial community structure changed with plant age. Ribosomal spacer length and scanning electron microscopic imaging strategies were used to assess microbial community composition across maize plant ages, using a novel staggered experimental design. Results: Significant changes in community composition were observed for both molecular an

SUBMITTER: Manching HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5861518 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature