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Aims <p>Root exudates released by plants into the soil play a key role in regulating microbial communities to improve the acquisition of limiting nutrients. Therefore, harnessing a synthetic microbial community (SynCom) that can positively interact with plant exudates represents a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to develop a SynCom-based biofertilizer for maize.</p> Methods <p>Maize rhizosphere microbial diversity was analyzed across soil types, followed by functional screening for beneficial strains. Mutualistic interactions were assessed via cross-feeding, and SynCom biofilm formation quantified by crystal violet staining. SynCom response to root exudates (6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone [MBOA] and 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one [HMBOA]) was evaluated in co-culture. Plant growth promotion was tested via seedling inoculation, and field biofertilizer performance assessed for yield, panicle traits, and grain quality.</p> Results <p>Brown soil supported the most abundant microbial diversity. Three beneficial strains were isolated from the maize rhizosphere under brown soil cultivation, including <i>Burkholderia</i> sp. GD3, which possesses nitrogen-fixing and dual phosphorus-solubilizing capabilities, organophosphorus-solubilizing <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. YS3, and inorganic phosphorus-solubilizing <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. WY3. The SynCom H3 (combining strains GD3, YS3, and WY3) formed dense biofilms with significantly higher biomass than individual strains. Maize root exudates enhanced SynCom H3 growth, indicating active recruitment. SynCom H3 inoculation significantly improved maize seedling growth, increased maize yield, improved panicle traits, and enhanced grain quality.</p> Conclusions <p>This study describes a synergistic mechanism involving functional complementarity and dynamic regulation within synthetic microbial communities, offering a novel strategy—particularly through the innovative approach of partial substitution—for developing sustainable biofertilizers to effectively reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.</p>

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Harnessing a synthetic microbial community with functional complementarity for improved maize growth and field performance

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月26日

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  • Xiuying Zhang,
  • Juan Hua,
  • Jinjin Zhang,
  • Yumeng Song,
  • Yiqing Wang,
  • Xin Jiang,
  • Shaobin Zhang,
  • Shihong Luo

摘要

Aims

Root exudates released by plants into the soil play a key role in regulating microbial communities to improve the acquisition of limiting nutrients. Therefore, harnessing a synthetic microbial community (SynCom) that can positively interact with plant exudates represents a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to develop a SynCom-based biofertilizer for maize.

Methods

Maize rhizosphere microbial diversity was analyzed across soil types, followed by functional screening for beneficial strains. Mutualistic interactions were assessed via cross-feeding, and SynCom biofilm formation quantified by crystal violet staining. SynCom response to root exudates (6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone [MBOA] and 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one [HMBOA]) was evaluated in co-culture. Plant growth promotion was tested via seedling inoculation, and field biofertilizer performance assessed for yield, panicle traits, and grain quality.

Results

Brown soil supported the most abundant microbial diversity. Three beneficial strains were isolated from the maize rhizosphere under brown soil cultivation, including Burkholderia sp. GD3, which possesses nitrogen-fixing and dual phosphorus-solubilizing capabilities, organophosphorus-solubilizing Pseudomonas sp. YS3, and inorganic phosphorus-solubilizing Pseudomonas sp. WY3. The SynCom H3 (combining strains GD3, YS3, and WY3) formed dense biofilms with significantly higher biomass than individual strains. Maize root exudates enhanced SynCom H3 growth, indicating active recruitment. SynCom H3 inoculation significantly improved maize seedling growth, increased maize yield, improved panicle traits, and enhanced grain quality.

Conclusions

This study describes a synergistic mechanism involving functional complementarity and dynamic regulation within synthetic microbial communities, offering a novel strategy—particularly through the innovative approach of partial substitution—for developing sustainable biofertilizers to effectively reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.