Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 255-263 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 255 Research Insight Open Access The Role of Microbial Community Structure in Rice Rhizosphere Over the Growing Season Shaomin Yang Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding author: shaomin.yang@hibio.org Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0027 Received: 24 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 28 Sep., 2024 Published: 13 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang S.M., 2024, The role of microbial community structure in rice rhizosphere over the growing season, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(5): 255-263 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0027) Abstract The microbial community structure in the rice rhizosphere plays a crucial role in plant health and soil nutrient cycling throughout the growing season. This study investigates how rice plants (Oryza sativa) influence the microbial community in rice field soil over different growth stages. Using quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene pyrotag analysis, we compared the microbial communities in the rhizosphere of rice plants to those in unplanted bulk soil. Our findings indicate that the rhizosphere harbors a significantly higher abundance of 16S rRNA genes, suggesting enhanced microbial growth. The rhizosphere effect was more pronounced than temporal changes, with notable shifts in the presence of specific microbial phyla such as Gemmatimonadetes, Proteobacteria, andVerrucomicrobia. Functional groups like potential iron reducers and fermenters were enriched in the rhizosphere. Additionally, a Herbaspirillumspecies was consistently more abundant in the rhizosphere, particularly during the early growth stages. These results underscore the dynamic interactions between rice plants and their associated microbial communities, highlighting the importance of the rhizosphere in shaping microbial diversity and function over the growing season. Keywords Rice rhizosphere; Microbial community structure; 16S rRNA gene analysis; Plant-microbe interactions; Soil nutrient cycling 1 Introduction The rice rhizosphere microbial community plays a core role in agricultural ecosystems, significantly influencing plant health, nutrient cycling, and soil structure. The rhizosphere, the narrow region of soil influenced by root secretions and associated microbial activity, is a hotspot for microbial interactions that are crucial for plant growth and ecosystem functioning (Lu et al., 2006; Breidenbach et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2021). Microorganisms in the rhizosphere contribute to nutrient availability, disease suppression, and stress tolerance, thereby enhancing crop productivity and sustainability (Philippot et al., 2013). The dynamics of the microbial community in the rice rhizosphere are profoundly impacted by the growing season. As rice plants progress through different growth stages, the composition and functionality of the microbial community in the rhizosphere undergo significant changes (Ding et al., 2019; Li et al., 2019). These changes are driven by various factors, including root exudates, soil type, and environmental conditions (Edwards et al., 2015; Hakim et al., 2021). For instance, the abundance and diversity of microbial taxa such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and methanogenic archaea fluctuate in response to plant growth stages and soil conditions (Zecchin et al., 2023). Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing agricultural practices and improving crop yields. This study primarily elucidates the temporal changes in the structure of the rhizosphere microbial community during the rice growing season and identifies key microbial taxa and functional groups involved in nutrient cycling and plant health. By employing advanced molecular techniques such as quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, it aims to comprehensively understand how rice plants influence microbial communities at different growth stages. The expected significance lies in informing sustainable agricultural practices by leveraging beneficial microbial interactions to enhance soil health and improve rice productivity.
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