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Endophytic bacterial community composition in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is determined by plant tissue type, developmental stage and soil nutrient availability

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Abstract

Aims

To understand effects of tissue type, growth stage and soil fertilisers on bacterial endophyte communities of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Hereward).

Methods

Endophytes were isolated from wheat grown under six fertiliser conditions in the long term Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted Research, UK. Samples were taken in May and July from root and leaf tissues.

Results

Root and leaf communities differed in abundance and composition of endophytes. Endophytes were most abundant in roots and the Proteobacteria were most prevalent. In contrast, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, the Gram positive phyla, were most prevalent in the leaves. Both fertiliser treatment and sample time influenced abundance and relative proportions of each phylum and genus in the endosphere. A higher density of endophytes was found in the Nil input treatment plants.

Conclusions

Robust isolation techniques and stringent controls are critical for accurate recovery of endophytes. The plant tissue type, plant growth stage, and soil fertiliser treatment all contribute to the composition of the endophytic bacterial community in wheat. These results should help facilitate targeted development of endophytes for beneficial applications in agriculture.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and to Novozymes for providing the funding for a PhD studentship for R. Robinson. We would particularly like to thank Dr Stephen Powers (Rothamsted Research) for his help and advice with statistical analysis and Dr Ben Raymond (Imperial College) for statistical advice and recommendations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of AgroEcology, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK

    Rebekah J. Robinson, Bart A. Fraaije, Ian M. Clark, Penny R. Hirsch & Tim H. Mauchline

  2. School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, RG6 6AH, UK

    Robert W. Jackson

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  1. Rebekah J. Robinson
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  2. Bart A. Fraaije
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  3. Ian M. Clark
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Correspondence to Tim H. Mauchline.

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Responsible Editor: Andrea Campisano.

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Robinson, R.J., Fraaije, B.A., Clark, I.M. et al. Endophytic bacterial community composition in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is determined by plant tissue type, developmental stage and soil nutrient availability. Plant Soil 405, 381–396 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2495-4

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