Characterization of diazotrophic root endophytes in Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Authors

Yongbin Li, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Rui Yang, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Max M. Häggblom, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
Mengyan Li, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Lifang Guo, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Baoqin Li, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Max Kolton, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Zhiguo Cao, Henan Normal University
Mohsen Solemani, Isfahan University of Technology
Zheng Chen, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Zhimin Xu, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering
Wenlong Gao, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Bei Yan, Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Weimin Sun, Guangdong Academy of Sciences

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Abstract

Background: Phytoremediation is a potentially cost-effective way to remediate highly contaminated mine tailing sites. However, nutrient limitations, especially the deficiency of nitrogen (N), can hinder the growth of plants and impair the phytoremediation of mine tailings. Nevertheless, pioneer plants can successfully colonize mine tailings and exhibit potential for tailing phytoremediation. Diazotrophs, especially diazotrophic endophytes, can promote the growth of their host plants. This was tested in a mine-tailing habitat by a combination of field sampling, DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP) analysis, and pot experiments. Results: Bacteria belonging to the genera Herbaspirillum, Rhizobium, Devosia, Pseudomonas, Microbacterium, and Delftia are crucial endophytes for Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) grown in the tailing, the model pioneer plant selected in this study. Further, DNA-SIP using ¹⁵N2 identified Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Exiguobacterium as putative diazotrophic endophytes of M. sinensis. Metagenomic-binning suggested that these bacteria contained essential genes for nitrogen fixation and plant growth promotion. Finally, two diazotrophic endophytes Rhizobium sp. G-14 and Pseudomonas sp. Y-5 were isolated from M. sinensis. Inoculation of another pioneer plant in mine tailings, Bidens pilosa, with diazotrophic endophytes resulted in successful plant colonization, significantly increased nitrogen fixation activity, and promotion of plant growth. Conclusions: This study indicated that diazotrophic endophytes have the potential to promote the growth of pioneer plant B. pilosa in mine tailings. [MediaObject not available: see fulltext.].

Identifier

85141077410 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Microbiome

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-022-01379-9

e-ISSN

20492618

PubMed ID

36329505

Issue

1

Volume

10

Grant

2017GC010570

Fund Ref

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Recommended Citation

Li, Yongbin; Yang, Rui; Häggblom, Max M.; Li, Mengyan; Guo, Lifang; Li, Baoqin; Kolton, Max; Cao, Zhiguo; Solemani, Mohsen; Chen, Zheng; Xu, Zhimin; Gao, Wenlong; Yan, Bei; and Sun, Weimin, "Characterization of diazotrophic root endophytes in Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis)" (2022). Faculty Publications. 2487.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/fac_pubs/2487