Metagenomic Characterization of the Soil Microbiota-Satureja nepeta Axis and Impact of Edaphic Factors
摘要
Satureja nepeta is a plant of significant relevance to both agricultural and ecological systems. Widely recognized for its production of essential oils, this medicinal and aromatic species demonstrates a remarkable capacity to thrive in nutrient-deficient soils. These characteristics position it as an exemplary model for investigating plant–microbe interactions under adverse environmental conditions. Plant-associated microbial communities play a critical role in maintaining and improving soil health by stimulating nutrient cycling, suppressing soil pathogens, and promoting sustainable plant growth. Our research aims to explore the symbiotic relationship within the plant holobiont, focusing on the dynamic interactions between plants and their associated microbiota, specifically within the S. nepeta-soil ecosystem. The main goal is to uncover the crucial role that these microbial communities play in plant health, influencing growth and disease resistance through their interactions with the surrounding soil microbiome. Utilizing advanced next-generation sequencing techniques, we analyzed 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons to explore the microbial composition and diversity across various ecological niches: the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, endosphere, and adjacent bare soil. To ensure the reliability and reproducibility of our findings, we analyzed a total of 12 samples, including 6 from bare soil and 6 from plant-associated niches (rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere). This methodology allowed us to compare the microbial community structure associated with the plants to that of the bare soil. Our findings reveal a distinct microbial profile within the plant-associated microbiota compared to the bare soil, with significant differences in community structure. While the bare soil was dominated by five bacterial phyla—Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetes—constituting over 80% of the observed microbial diversity, the plant-associated environments exhibited a unique assembly of seven prominent bacterial phyla. Despite a relatively uniform microbial composition across the examined environments, beta diversity analyses highlighted stark structural differences between the bare soil and plant-associated microbiomes, likely influenced by a combination of biotic and abiotic soil factors. This research enhances our grasp of the S. nepeta holobiont, revealing the intricate dynamics of plant-microbial ecosystems and their impact on ecological systems. The unique microbial profiles and community structures highlight the critical importance of microbial communities in maintaining plant health and influencing ecosystem behavior. These findings enhance sustainable agriculture by improving crop resilience in poor soils and reducing stress impacts. They also support restoration ecology by optimizing soil microbiome health. Further research should explore the mechanisms and broader applications of these interactions.