Soil plays a key role than plant genetics in microbiome of plants: UoH study

They examined different red gram genotypes like Asha, Durga and Mannem Konda Kandi grown in different types of soils (Alfisol, Vertisol, and Inceptisol), as well as a wild relative of red gram in its native soil

Hyderabad: A study by University of Hyderabad researchers revealed that soil properties played a key role than the plant genetics in shaping the nodule microbiome on the red gram roots.

Prof Appa Rao Podile and his team at the UoH conducted a comprehensive metagenome analysis to explore the factors influencing the microbiome diversity within red gram nodules. They examined different red gram genotypes like Asha, Durga and Mannem Konda Kandi grown in different types of soils (Alfisol, Vertisol, and Inceptisol), as well as a wild relative of red gram in its native soil.

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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, the researchers said.

While the diversity of microbiome in the nodule is less compared to bulk soil, it was more specialised, indicating the role of host selection, the researchers said.

The study also highlighted that 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. The findings have been published in the high-impact journal “Environmental Microbiome”, published by Springer Nature.