Differences in rhizosphere microbial communities between native and non-native Phragmites australis may depend on stand density.

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms surrounding plant roots may benefit invasive species through enhanced mutualism or decreased antagonism, when compared to surrounding native species. We surveyed the rhizosphere soil microbiome of a prominent invasive plant, Phragmites australis, and its co-occurring native subspecies for evidence of microbial drivers of invasiveness. If the rhizosphere microbial community is important in driving plant invasions, we hypothesized that non-native Phragmites would cultivate a different microbiome from native Phragmites, containing fewer pathogens, more mutualists, or both. We surveyed populations of native and non-native Phragmites across Michigan and Ohio USA, and we described rhizosphere microbial communities using culture-independent next-generati

SUBMITTER: Bickford WA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7593150 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature