Soil properties outweigh plant genetics in shaping red gram microbiome: UoH study

Hyderabad: A recent study by researchers from the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has revealed that soil properties have a greater influence than plant genetics in shaping the microbiome within red gram root nodules.

The research, led by Prof. Appa Rao Podile, involved a comprehensive metagenome analysis to explore the factors affecting microbial diversity in red gram nodules.

The team examined various red gram genotypes, including Asha, Durga, and Mannem Konda Kandi, grown in different soil types such as Alfisol, Vertisol, and Inceptisol. They also studied a wild relative of red gram in its native soil to provide a broader comparison.

Multiple Factors Influence Nodule Microbiome Composition

According to the researchers, “The position of the nodule on the root, the type of soil in which the red gram is grown, the variety (genotype of the red gram), and other environmental factors contributed to the composition of the nodule microbiome.”

Although the diversity of the microbiome within the nodules was found to be lower compared to that in bulk soil, the microbiome inside the nodules was more specialized. This specialization suggests a role of host plant selection in shaping the microbial community. As the team explained, “While the diversity of microbiome in the nodule is less compared to bulk soil, it was more specialised, indicating the role of host selection.”

Soil Properties Hold Greater Importance

One of the major findings of the study is the stronger influence of soil properties over plant genotype in determining the nodule microbiome. The researchers stated, “Soil properties played a more significant role than the host plant genetics in shaping the nodule microbiome, indicating the importance of soil in deciding the microbiome of plants.”

This insight underlines the critical role of the soil environment in agricultural practices and plant health management.

Published in a High-Impact Journal

The findings of the study have been published in “Environmental Microbiome,” a high-impact journal by Springer Nature, highlighting the relevance and quality of the research.