Title:

Evaluating the Chenopodium microbiome: How do rhizosphere microbial interactions affect plant growth and stress tolerance?

Chenopodium quinoa, a pseudocereal crop native to South America, has been gaining attention worldwide because of its high nutritional properties and ability to grow in high stress conditions. Quinoa has great potential for cultivation in North America; however, abiotic stresses like high humidity and a short growing season are obstacles for production in the Northeast. Research has demonstrated that certain bacteria and fungi within the rhizosphere microbiome can increase plant growth and alleviate plant stress and thus can be used as biopesticides or biostimulants as a sustainable production practice. We hypothesized that microbes present in the rhizosphere microbiomes of New England native Chenopodium species contribute to adaptation to growth in New England and that quinoa varieties can be supplemented with these organisms to enhance productivity. This work aims to 1) determine if different Chenopodium species harbor unique rhizosphere communities, 2) investigate generational changes in microbial communities of different origins and host selection under stress, 3) investigate how these changes in the microbial community affect plant growth under stress, and 4) identify Chenopodium-associated beneficial microbes that enhance plant growth and tolerance to stress. Results so far show that microbial communities do not differ based on host species but both bacterial and fungal communities differ based on site type (agricultural vs wild), with more variation displayed in fungal communities. Generational changes in microbiomes were assessed using a drought-stress multigenerational microcosm approach that assessed bacterial and fungal composition, plant height, number of leaves and wilt. Results suggest that the microbiome may be adapting to its host over time, which we hypothesize is due to assembly of distinct communities. This work will provide foundational knowledge for developing strategies for identification and isolation of beneficial microbes from native plant communities for successful application in agricultural settings.

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