AUTHOR=Lin Min , Xiong Hui , Xiang Xuechuan , Zhou Zelin , Liang Lifeng , Mei Zhinan 

TITLE=The Effect of Plant Geographical Location and Developmental Stage on Root-Associated Microbiomes of Gymnadenia conopsea

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01257

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2020.01257

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Gymnadenia conopsea</italic> (L.) R. Br. is an important perennial terrestrial photosynthetic orchid species whose microbiomes are considered to play an important role in helping its germination and growth. However, the assemblage of <italic>G. conopsea</italic> root-associated microbial communities is poorly understood. The compositions of fungal and bacterial communities from the roots and corresponding soil samples in <italic>G. conopsea</italic> across distinct biogeographical regions from two significantly different altitudes were characterized at the vegetative and reproductive growth stages. The geographical location, developmental stage and compartment were factors contributing to microbiome variation in <italic>G. conopsea</italic>. Predominant fungal taxa include <italic>Ascomycota</italic>, <italic>Basidiomycota</italic>, <italic>Mortierellomycota</italic> and <italic>Chytridiomycota</italic>, whereas <italic>Proteobacteria</italic>, <italic>Bacteroidetes</italic>, <italic>Acidobacteria</italic>, <italic>Actinobacteria</italic>, <italic>Verrucomicrobia</italic>, <italic>Chloroflexi</italic>, <italic>TM7</italic> and <italic>Planctomycetes</italic> were predominant bacterial taxa. Using <italic>G. conopsea</italic> as a model, the structural and functional composition in <italic>G. conopsea</italic> root-associated microbiomes were comprehensive analyzed. Contrary to previous studies, biogeography was the main factor influencing the microbial community in this study. Besides, compartment and developmental stage should also be considered to analyze the variation of microbiota composition. Although the microbial composition varied greatly by location, the symbiotic microorganisms of <italic>G. conopsea</italic> still have certain specificity. This study gives an abundant information of <italic>G. conopsea</italic> root-associated microbiomes and provides new clues to better understanding the factors affecting the composition and diversity of fungal/bacterial communities associated with orchids. Our results also laying a foundation for harnessing the microbiome for sustainable <italic>G. conopsea</italic> cultivation. Moreover, these results might be generally applicable to other orchidaceae plants.</p>