Biology subjects

Elzenga, J. T. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Elzenga, J. T. M..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Unveiling the potato cultivars with microbiome interactive traits for sustainable agricultural production

Root traits significantly shape rhizosphere microbiomes, yet their interaction with microbes is often overlooked in plant breeding programs. Here, we propose that selecting modern cultivars based on microbiome interactive traits (MITs), such as root biomass, exudate patterns and the rhizosphere microbiome, can enhance agricultural sustainability by interacting effectively with soil microbiomes, which in turn, promotes plant growth and resistance to stress, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic crop protectants. Through a stepwise selection process (in silico and in vitro) that started with approximately 1000 potato genotypes, we chose 51 potato cultivars based on known phenotypical properties and distinct root exudate patterns. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to evaluate their capacity to interact with the soil microbiome and to assess their MITs. Our findings revealed that cultivars significantly influence plant growth, metabolite profiles, and rhizosphere fungal community composition. Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between microbial community diversity and root biomass. Additionally, leaf metabolites were correlated with rhizosphere bacterial composition, supporting the plant holobiont framework. Utilising z-scores, we aggregated all data related to plant growth, metabolomes, and microbiomes, creating a classification of 51 cultivars based on a gradient of MITs. By examining the distribution of low, medium, and high MITs, we identified a group of 11 potato cultivars suitable for further studies to assess their resilience and productivity under low-input production systems. This study provides an in-depth correlation between microbiome and several plant traits across 51 cultivars, offering tools to facilitate and expedite the incorporation of microbiome traits into breeding goals to support sustainable agriculture.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

Potato cultivars use different root physiological and molecular mechanisms to acclimate to salt stress

O_LISoil salinity induces osmotic stress and ion toxicity in plants, detrimentally affecting their growth and development. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) faces yield reductions due to salt stress. The mechanisms of salt stress resilience, especially in adventitious roots, remain unknown. C_LIO_LIWe investigated the resilience of three potato cultivars - Desiree, Innovator, and Mozart - by studying their physiological and transcriptomic responses to salt stress. C_LIO_LIOur findings reveal that under salt stress, the growth of stolons and stolon node roots is similarly reduced unlike tubers, even though they are physically connected. Surprisingly, tubers accumulate Cl- but not Na+ under salt stress, suggesting an active Na+ exclusion mechanism. Innovator showed the lowest suberin and lignin deposition before salt stress and higher K+ leakage, leading to a stronger initial stress response with high ABA content and a distinct transcriptomic pattern. Nevertheless, Innovator was the most resilient, displaying lower growth, salt-tolerance index and tuber yield reduction. Transcriptomic analysis revealed several K+/Na+ channel genes which might regulate ions homeostasis during salt stress, in particular in Innovator. C_LIO_LIAltogether, we conclude that acclimation ability, rather than initial protection of roots against salt, prevails in long term salt-stress resilience of potato. C_LI

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Biological management, rather than chemical management, promotes the interaction between plants and their microbiome

In the face of climate change, developing sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the use of synthetic herbicides and pesticides is crucial. However, breeding for higher yields can lead to the decoupling of plant roots and beneficial rhizosphere microbes. In this study, we aim to identify potato cultivars with functional traits facilitating efficient interactions with the rhizosphere microbiome under various agricultural treatments in the field. With the results of profiling microbial communities with amplicon sequencing data of bacteria (16S rRNA gene fragments) and fungi (ITS2 region), a piecewise structural equation model was developed. This model explains the trade-off effects of agricultural management and potato cultivars on plant growth by affecting the rhizosphere microbiome. Furthermore, we highlight that plant cultivar and the rhizosphere microbiome together determine plant below-ground growth under biological management. In contrast, both components are found to be uncoupled under chemical and control management. Our study reveals the importance of considering microbiomes in the breeding process to achieve the goals of sustainable agriculture.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Root Ions Fluxes and Osmolarity Changes in Grass Species Differing in Salinity Tolerance

Agricultural areas are increasingly being affected by salt due to irrigation practices and rising levels of salty groundwater. Different plant species have varying degrees of sensitivity to salinity and employ distinct mechanisms to avoid severe damage caused by salt stress. We compared three grass species with different ecological backgrounds, namely Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, and Puccinellia maritima, in terms of their ability to maintain growth when exposed to salt stress, the extent of Na+-induced K+efflux, and the accumulation of salts in their shoots. Our results demonstrate that the changes in K+and H+fluxes at the root tip induced by NaCl exposure are correlated with the salt tolerance characteristics of these grass species. Specifically, L. perenne exhibited the highest leakage of K+from its roots, the highest accumulation of Na+in its shoots, and the lowest shoot growth under salt stress. On the other hand, P. maritima showed minimal changes in ion fluxes in response to salinity stress. P. maritima maintained the lowest contribution of Na+to the total osmolarity in its shoots and exhibited the least detrimental effect of salt on shoot dry matter. The root cortex including the exodermis and endodermis could be one of the benefit barriers that help defense against salts. In conclusion, root ions fluxes and osmolarity changes in grass species have different salinity tolerance of plants from various habitats. The salt resistance plants restrict leakage of K and exclude Na more effectively. Overall, these results broadened our knowledge of salt resistance in grass species.

physiology↗