Diversity and potential plant growth promoting capacity of seed endophytic bacteria of the holoparasite Cistanche phelypaea (Orobanchaceae)

A culture-independent approach, supervised machine learning, and the characterization of the microbial community composition of coastal areas across the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea

BACKGROUND

Coastal areas are subject to various anthropogenic and natural influences. In this study, we investigated and compared the characteristics of two coastal regions, Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Goa (GA), focusing on pollution, anthropogenic activities, and recreational impacts. We explored three main factors influencing the differences between these coastlines: The Bay of Bengal's shallower depth and lower salinity; upwelling phenomena due to the thermocline in the Arabian Sea; and high tides that can cause strong currents that transport pollutants and debris.

RESULTS

The microbial diversity in GA was significantly higher than that in AP, which might be attributed to differences in temperature, soil type, and vegetation cover. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated the presence of diverse microbial phyla, including candidate phyla radiation (CPR). Statistical analysis, random forest regression, and supervised machine learning models classification confirm the diversity of the microbiome accurately. Furthermore, we have identified 450 cultures of heterotrophic, biotechnologically important bacteria. Some strains were identified as novel taxa based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showing promising potential for further study.

CONCLUSION

Thus, our study provides valuable insights into the microbial diversity and pollution levels of coastal areas in AP and GA. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of anthropogenic activities and climate variations on biology of coastal ecosystems and biodiversity.

Revealing the seed microbiome: Navigating sequencing tools, microbial assembly, and functions to amplify plant fitness

Microbial communities within seeds play a vital role in transmitting themselves to the next generation of plants. These microorganisms significantly impact seed vigor and early seedling growth, for successful crop establishment. Previous studies reported on seed-associated microbial communities and their influence on processes like dormancy release, germination, and disease protection. Modern sequencing and conventional methods reveal microbial community structures and environmental impacts, these information helps in microbial selection and manipulation. These studies form the foundation for using seed microbiomes to enhance crop resilience and productivity. While existing research has primarily focused on characterizing microbiota in dried mature seeds, a significant gap exists in understanding how these microbial communities assemble during seed development. The review also discusses applying seed-associated microorganisms to improve crops in the context of climate change. However, limited knowledge is available about the microbial assembly pattern on seeds, and their impact on plant growth. The review provides insight into microbial composition, functions, and significance for plant health, particularly regarding growth promotion and pest control.