Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Heidi Hirsch, David M. Richardson, Anibal Pauchard, Johannes J. Le Roux
Summary: The genetic diversity and structure of Acacia dealbata populations in non-native ranges differ, with different introduction scenarios supported for each region. Populations in Chile and Madagascar likely originated from multiple introductions, while those in New Zealand and La Reunion may have come directly from Tasmania. The global introductions of A. dealbata were complex, highlighting the need for tailored management strategies based on regional invasion histories.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohneesh Kalwani, Hillol Chakdar, Amit Srivastava, Sunil Pabbi, Pratyoosh Shukla
Summary: Modern agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, but nanofertilizers provide an innovative, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative. They release nutrients slowly to support plant growth and conserve beneficial microbiome diversity, although there are still challenges related to production, transportation, and dosage sensitivity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Q. Li, F. Wan, M. Zhao
Summary: Ageratina adenophora is one of the most hazardous invasive weeds in China, causing changes in soil microbial communities and involving specific microbes in soil nutrient cycling. Soil pH is the main factor affecting microbial communities.
Article
Soil Science
Anna Maria Fiore-Donno, Zander R. Human, Martina Stursova, Sunil Mundra, Luis Morgado, Havard Kauserud, Petr Baldrian, Michael Bonkowski
Summary: Protists, especially bacterivores, play an essential role in the rhizosphere, and their interactions with bacteria and fungi affect plant productivity and soil nutrient cycles. The study found that the distribution of protists varied across different soil compartments, with the highest diversity in the bulk soil and the lowest in the roots. Different feeding modes of protists resulted in distinct distributions in the soil.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Masataka Nakayama, Ryunosuke Tateno
Summary: The microbial communities in the soil surrounding plant roots (rhizosphere) are distinct from those in the non-rhizosphere soil due to root exudation and symbiosis with plant roots. However, little is known about the seasonal variations in these rhizosphere microbial communities, especially during the dormant season of cool temperate forests.
Article
Agronomy
Han Zhang, Qiao Li, Wenxiu Sun, Jianying Guo, Wanxue Liu, Mengxin Zhao
Summary: In this study, a long-term field experiment was conducted to compare the microbial community compositions in the rhizosphere soil of invasive common ragweed and two native plants. The bacterial and fungal community compositions differed significantly between common ragweed and the two native plants. Invasion by common ragweed selectively accumulated microorganisms that can enhance carbon and nitrogen cycling and the absorption of phosphorus in the rhizosphere environment. Furthermore, microbial inoculants from common ragweed rhizosphere promoted the growth of both common ragweed and Setaria viridis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junping Liu, Yujie Tang, Jiashu Bao, Hankun Wang, Fangren Peng, Mengyun Chen, Pengpeng Tan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of pecan age on microbial communities using MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that the bacterial alpha diversity in pecan plantations was significantly influenced by age, while fungal alpha diversity was less affected. Pecan age had a significant impact on both bacterial and fungal community structure, and also altered the composition of fungal communities. Soil pH and available phosphorus were identified as important factors driving microbial community structure.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing-Fang Cai, Fan Jiang, Xuan-Shao Liu, Kai Sun, Wei Wang, Ming-Xiang Zhang, Hong-Li Li, Hao-Fu Xu, Wei-Jing Kong, Fei-Hai Yu
Summary: Biochar can enhance the growth of S. salsa and improve rhizosphere soil quality, especially under no flooding conditions. However, seed germination and seedling growth of the plant are influenced by different flooding treatments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agata Borowik, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Magdalena Zaborowska, Jan Kucharski
Summary: The study found that pyrethroids have adverse effects on soil microorganisms and enzymatic activity, but the cultivation of maize can mitigate these effects. Pyrethroids stimulate the growth of organotrophic bacteria and actinomycetes, inhibit fungal growth, and reduce soil enzymatic activity. Cultivating maize improves soil enzymatic activity and microbial community, alleviating the impact of pyrethroids on soil biota.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianli Tong, Ruili Li, Minwei Chai, Qian Wang, Yuyin Yang, Shuguang Xie
Summary: This study investigated the rhizosphere effects of different mangrove species on BPA elimination in mangrove soils. The results showed that the microbial structure in the rhizosphere differed among microcosms with different mangrove species, leading to variations in BPA degradation pathways. Pseudomonas and Novosphingobium may play important roles in the biodegradation of BPA.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Leidong Hong, Yanlai Yao, Chaotang Lei, Chunlai Hong, Weijing Zhu, Fengxiang Zhu, Weiping Wang, Tao Lu, Xingjiang Qi
Summary: Declined symptoms seriously damaged the growth and development of Myrica rubra, but the mechanisms involved in this decline are largely unknown. This study compared various factors in the rhizospheric soil of healthy and declined trees and found that planting bayberry aggravated soil acidification and led to significant changes in nutrient-metal element correlation. Microbial communities and metabolites also showed differences between healthy and declined trees. The study provides new insights into the causes of decline in bayberry trees and can assist in prevention and treatment based on plant-soil-microbe interactions.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Miaochun Fan, Jiajia Li, Xiaobo Luan, Le Yang, Wenqing Chen, Xing Ma, Zhen Yang, Zhouping Shangguan
Summary: Rhizosphere microbiota play a crucial role in plant productivity, but their patterns in large-scale restored forest ecosystems are still poorly understood. This study used high-throughput sequencing to investigate microbial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soil of Robinia pseudoacacia trees along a precipitation gradient in the Loess Plateau, China. The results revealed distinct spatial patterns of microbial communities and highlighted the strong influence of geographic factors in shaping these communities. Importantly, the study provides valuable insights into the assembly of rhizosphere microbial communities in large-scale forest ecosystems under vegetation restoration.
Article
Forestry
Xing-Ye Yu, Yun-Jia Zhu, Bo Wang, Dong Liu, Hua Bai, Long Jin, Bao-Teng Wang, Hong-Hua Ruan, Lingfeng Mao, Feng-Jie Jin, Nan Yang
Summary: The long-term simulated nitrogen deposition reduced fungal alpha-diversity, altered the composition of bacterial and fungal communities, while increasing the abundance of pathogenic communities, potentially leading to disease and damage in forest ecosystems.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ricardo M. F. da Costa, Maurice Bosch, Rachael Simister, Leonardo D. Gomez, Jorge M. Canhoto, Luis A. E. Batista de Carvalho
Summary: In this study, the compositional characterization of lignocellulosic biomass from three Acacia species was performed using various analytical techniques. The effects of white-rot fungi treatments on the biomass composition and enzymatic saccharification were investigated. The results showed that the pretreatments with white-rot fungi and mild alkali can enhance saccharification yield, providing valuable insights for utilizing unused biomass resources and reducing wildfire risk.
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoxue Fang, Huaying Wang, Ling Zhao, Manqi Wang, Mingzhou Sun
Summary: This study analyzed the microbial communities in the rhizosphere soils of three types of ginseng using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that bacterial diversity was higher and fungal diversity was lower in the rhizosphere soils of wild ginseng compared to farmland cultivated ginseng. The study also found that fungal communities were more affected than bacterial communities in all three types of ginseng. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, Fusarium, and Alternaria was higher in farmland cultivated ginseng compared to wild ginseng and understory wild ginseng.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nicola Froeschlin, Sean D. J. Privett, David M. Richardson, Mirijam Gaertner
Summary: Alien plant invasions are increasing globally, and diverse measures are being used to reduce their impacts. In addition to removing the invasive plants, follow-up measures are necessary for restoring the diversity and functionality of invaded ecosystems. Long-term commitment and monitoring are essential for successful restoration.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuel Navarro-Perea, Yolanda Pueyo, David Moret, Angel Valverde, Jose Mariano Igual, Concepcion L. Alados
Summary: Livestock grazing has significant impacts on ecosystem functioning. Overgrazing can result in ecosystem degradation, while moderate grazing can maintain optimal ecosystem features and prevent degradation.
ARID LAND RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
D. A. Cowan, P. H. Lebre, C. E. R. Amon, R. W. Becker, H. Boga, A. Boulange, T. L. Chiyaka, T. Coetzee, P. C. de Jager, O. Dikinya, F. Eckardt, M. Greve, M. A. Harris, D. W. Hopkins, H. B. Houngnandan, P. Houngnandan, K. Jordaan, E. Kaimoyo, A. K. Kambura, G. Kamgan-Nkuekam, T. P. Makhalanyane, G. Maggs-Kolling, E. Marais, H. Mondlane, E. Nghalipo, B. W. Olivier, M. Ortiz, L. R. Pertierra, J-B Ramond, M. Seely, I Sithole-Niang, A. Valverde, G. Varliero, S. Vikram, D. H. Wall, A. Zeze
Summary: This study presents an extensive biogeographical survey of sub-Saharan top-soil microbiomes, revealing distinct microbiomes across different countries in the region. The study also demonstrates the influence of environmental factors such as pH, precipitation, and temperature on the microbial ecology. Future climate change scenarios are predicted to negatively impact soil microbial biodiversity in some countries, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in the region.
Article
Microbiology
Nyasha Mafumo, Oliver K. I. Bezuidt, Wouter le Roux, Thulani P. Makhalanyane
Summary: By studying crAssphage viruses in South African rivers, it was found that these viruses are more accurate indicators of fecal contamination in water, and crAssphage sequences can be detected in pristine rivers as well, unlike fecal coliform counts.
Article
Mycology
S. Vikram, J. -B. Ramond, M. Ortiz, G. Maggs-Kolling, K. Pelser, D. A. Cowan
Summary: The Namib Desert in south-western Africa is one of the oldest deserts in the world and has unique geographical, biological, and climatic features. This study investigated the diversity and function of fungal communities in Namib Desert soils across different regions and found that certain fungal taxa consistently dominated the communities. The study also revealed that the assembly of fungal communities in the desert was influenced by both deterministic and stochastic processes, with limitations to fungal dispersal caused by the inland limit of fog penetration.
Review
Microbiology
Thulani P. Makhalanyane, Oliver K. I. Bezuidt, Rian E. Pierneef, Eshchar Mizrachi, Adolphe Zeze, Romain K. Fossou, Claude Ghislaine Kouadjo, Samuel Duodu, Chioma B. Chikere, Olubukola O. Babalola, Ashwil Klein, Marshall Keyster, Morne du Plessis, Nourou S. Yorou, Mohamed Hijri, Theresa Rossouw, Casper N. Kamutando, Stephanus Venter, Lucy N. Moleleki, Colin Murrell
Summary: African microbiomes have been underestimated in the past, with an overemphasis on research in the Global North. Africa possesses significant genetic diversity in its ecosystems, humans, and animals. In this Comment, we address the lack of available microbiome datasets from Africa and suggest measures to promote microbiome research in the region.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gilda Varliero, Pedro H. Lebre, Mark I. Stevens, Paul Czechowski, Thulani Makhalanyane, Don A. Cowan
Summary: 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing is commonly used to identify microbial diversity and composition. Different 16S rRNA gene amplified regions can result in differences in shared and unique taxa. However, multi-primer datasets can still be used to explore bacterial biogeographical patterns.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Choaro D. D. Dithugoe, Oliver K. I. Bezuidt, Emma L. L. Cavan, William P. P. Froneman, Sandy J. J. Thomalla, Thulani P. P. Makhalanyane
Summary: This study investigates the contribution of prokaryotes to the export of particulate organic matter in the Southern Ocean. The results show that bacteria and archaea in suspended and sinking particles have the ability to degrade complex organic carbon, while archaea also play a role in nitrogen metabolism. These findings highlight the importance of prokaryotes in regulating the export of particulate organic matter in the Southern Ocean.
Review
Microbiology
Gilda Varliero, Pedro H. Lebre, Beat Frey, Andrew G. Fountain, Alexandre M. Anesio, Don A. Cowan
Summary: Microbial communities and nutrient dynamics in glaciers and ice sheets are constantly changing due to hydrological conditions. Glaciers and ice sheets act as bioreactors, as microbiomes transform nutrients and impact meltwater chemistry. Global warming affects nutrient and cell export, altering proglacial systems. This review integrates current understanding of glacial hydrology, microbial activity, and nutrient and carbon dynamics, highlighting their interdependence, variability, and impact on proglacial environments.
Article
Biology
Riaan F. F. Rifkin, Surendra Vikram, Jaime Alcorta, Jean-Baptiste Ramond, Don A. A. Cowan, Mattias Jakobsson, Carina M. M. Schlebusch, Marlize Lombard
Summary: By analyzing metagenome libraries derived from the sequencing of a Later Stone Age hunter-gatherer child who lived near Ballito Bay, South Africa, about 2000 years ago, ancient DNA sequences homologous to the flea-borne typhus-like pathogen Rickettsia felis were identified, and an ancient R. felis genome was reconstructed. This provides ancient genomic evidence for the presence of Rickettsia felis in human remains from 2000 years ago, reframing previous hypotheses of R. felis as a novel or emergent pathogen in modern humans.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yvonne Marvellous Akpudo, Oliver K. K. Bezuidt, Thulani P. P. Makhalanyane
Summary: Four archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were discovered in a polar upwelling zone in the Southern Ocean. These archaea contain genes encoding enzymes involved in the degradation of PET and PHB plastics.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria V. Quiroga, James C. Stegen, Gabriela Mataloni, Don Cowan, Pedro H. Lebre, Angel Valverde
Summary: Antarctica's extreme environmental conditions impose selection pressures on microbial communities, but the specific bacterial clades affected by selection processes and their ecological strategies in such conditions remain unknown. This study successfully detected bacterial clades subjected to homogeneous and heterogeneous selection and found that only the homogeneous selection clades showed high abundance and signs of microdiversity across all samples. The majority of the ASVs within each homogeneous selection clade clustered into a unique operational taxonomic unit and inhabited a specific environment. The findings suggest the existence of microdiversification leading to sub-taxa niche differentiation, with putative distinct ecotypes adapted to a specific environment. Homogeneous selection clades in the study site may have phylogenetically conserved traits that accelerate their rate of evolution and enable them to adapt to strong spatio-temporally variable selection pressures.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Thulani P. Makhalanyane
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yashini Naidoo, Rian E. Pierneef, Don A. Cowan, Angel Valverde
Summary: The study is important for understanding the soil resistome in deserts and its role in antibiotic resistance evolution and dissemination. The researchers characterized the bacterial communities and identified various antibiotic and metal resistance genes using targeted sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. They found a diversity of resistance elements in Namib Desert soils and suggested that horizontal gene transfer plays a crucial role in their dynamics.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
