Plant species, metabolites, and environmental factors shape the phyllosphere microbiota of grazed grasslands.
Dalmasso M, Morvan-Bertrand A, Goux D, Elie N, Sesboüé A
Summary
PubMedResearchers found that the community of microbes living on grass leaves in grazed pastures is shaped by a combination of the plant species present, the plant's own chemical compounds, and environmental conditions like nitrogen fertilization. Understanding what drives these microbial communities could help improve grassland management and soil health.
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Key Findings
Three distinct plant species in two adjacent grasslands were found to host different phyllosphere microbial communities, indicating plant identity is a key driver of leaf microbiota composition.
Fructan-accumulating grasses (including perennial ryegrass) were among the species studied, suggesting plant metabolites like fructans may selectively shape which microbes colonize leaf surfaces.
Nitrogen fertilization of one grassland plot allowed direct comparison of nutrient-enriched vs. unenriched conditions, implicating environmental factors alongside plant traits in structuring phyllosphere microbial diversity.
Original Abstract
The phyllosphere of permanent grasslands is a reservoir of microbial diversity, yet its composition and the factors influencing its fluctuations are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the factors driving the structure of the phyllosphere microbiota. Three plant species of two adjacent grasslands, one of the two receiving nitrogen (N) fertilization, were selected: two fructan-accumulating grasses (perennial ryegrass,
This connects to 10 other discoveries — 1 species, 4 topics, 5 related articles
Species Mentioned
Lolium perenne, common name perennial ryegrass, English ryegrass, winter ryegrass, or ray grass, is a grass from the family Poaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, but is widely cultivated and naturalised around the world.
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