Abstract |
- Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most important global plant pathogens. Recent innovations in molecular techniques have allowed increased study of this important pest, including the ability to investigate associated microbiomes. This study used 16S rDNA metagenomic sequencing to characterize the microbiome of Meloidogyne hapla, the northern root-knot nematode, in field and greenhouse isolates. To characterize the microbiome of M. hapla, different life stages, egg masses, second-stage juveniles (J2), and bleached eggs, were collected form a field population and analyzed. To characterize the microbiome of different life stages of M. hapla, populations originating from different locations but maintained in the greenhouse were collected and bleached eggs, J2, bleach-sterilized J2, and J2 hatched in sterile conditions were analyzed. 16S rDNA was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq in 300 bp paired-end segments. The microbiome of M. hapla changed during its life cycle (p < 0.05), was dependent on where the population originated, even if it is subsequently cultured on greenhouse plants (p < 0.05), and bleach-sterilizing J2 changed microbial community compared to non-sterilized J2 (p < 0.01). Additionally, microbes from M. hapla collected from the field were are not present at similar abundance levels as to those from M. hapla maintained in the greenhouse. Combined, these findings provide a greater understanding of common bacteria-nematode relationships, opening the possibility for the identification of microbes that may be used for nematode management. This research also demonstrates that sterilization and collection techniques can affect nematode-associated bacterial communities, informing how future studies may be improved.
Key Words: Microbiome, Meloiodogyne, Nematodes, Root-knot, 16S Sequencing, Endosymbionts
- Keywords: Root-knot, Nematodes, Meloiodogyne, Microbiome, Endosymbionts, 16S Sequencing
- Keywords: Root-knot, Nematodes, Meloiodogyne, Microbiome, Endosymbionts, 16S Sequencing
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