Mesorhizobial inoculation and fertilizer application differentially influence native bacterial community structure associated with chickpea
Keywords:
Chickpea microbiome, Mesorhizobium, Native, Microbial diversity, Non-rhizobial nodule bacteriaAbstract
The microbial communities associated with plants play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, plant health, and environmental stability. Understanding how agricultural practices influence these communities is essential for optimizing crop growth and productivity. Here, we investigated the impact of Mesorhizobium inoculation and fertilizer application on the microbiome associated with chickpea. Through a comprehensive analysis involving diversity indices and ordination techniques, we observed a gradient increase of native bacterial community diversity from nodules to roots, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil. Mesorhizobium inoculation and fertilizer application showed distinct shifts in native bacterial community structure and composition. Firmicutes (46.1%), particularly Streptococcus (35.4%), dominated soil communities, while Proteobacteria (33.3%), with a notable Streptococcus presence (18.9%) were more prevalent in plant tissues. Chemical fertilizer application resulted in a bacterial community dominated by Firmicutes (42.4%), followed by Proteobacteria (26.9%) and Actinobacteria (17.9%). While, mesorhizobial inoculation significantly altered microbial abundance, with Proteobacteria becoming the most prevalent phylum (30.6%), followed by Firmicutes (24.9%), and Actinobacteria (17.2%). Streptococcus was the most dominant genera, however, its relative abundance was higher under fertilizer treatment (28.6%) than mesorhizobial inoculation (15.9%). Our findings suggest that, in addition to Mesorhizobium, chickpea roots, and nodules harbor yet to be characterized non-rhizobial bacterial communities. Hence, the development of non-rhizobial plant-associated bacteria along with Mesorhizobium-based inoculant technology can enhance chickpea productivity while minimizing the reliance on using reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
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