Bacterial Communities Found with Nematodes in Tomato Crops

Jenn Hoskins
7th June, 2024

Bacterial Communities Found with Nematodes in Tomato Crops

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study examined Acrobeles complexus nematodes and their bacterial communities in tomato fields in South Africa
  • These nematodes are associated with a diverse range of bacteria, including Dechloromonas sp., Acidovorax temperans, and Lactobacillus ruminis
  • The abundance of A. complexus nematodes is negatively correlated with clay content and soil phosphate levels, and positively correlated with soil sand content
The productivity of agricultural ecosystems is significantly influenced by soil-dwelling organisms. Understanding the composition, abundance, and interactions of these microorganisms is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and management. A recent study conducted by the University of Limpopo sheds light on this topic by examining Acrobeles complexus nematodes collected from tomato fields in South Africa and analyzing their associated bacterial communities using metabarcoding analysis[1]. The study revealed that Acrobeles complexus nematodes form associations with a diverse range of bacterial species. Among the most abundant species identified were Dechloromonas sp., a bacterium commonly found in aquatic sediments; Acidovorax temperans, typically found in activated sludge; and Lactobacillus ruminis, a commensal lactic acid bacterium inhabiting the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. These findings highlight the complex interactions between nematodes and bacteria in agricultural soils, which can have significant implications for soil health and crop production. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore the relationships between the abundance of A. complexus and various soil properties. The analysis showed that the abundance of these nematodes is negatively correlated with clay content (r = -0.990) and soil phosphate levels (r = -0.969), and positively correlated with soil sand content (r = 0.763). This suggests that soil texture and nutrient levels play a crucial role in shaping the bacterial communities associated with A. complexus and, consequently, the overall health of the soil ecosystem. These findings build on previous research that has explored the relationships between soil microorganisms and their environments. For instance, a study on Zeldia punctata nematodes in maize fields in South Africa found that these nematodes also associate with a diverse range of bacterial species, including both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria[2]. The presence of both beneficial and detrimental bacteria in nematode-associated communities highlights the complex interactions that can influence soil health and crop productivity. Moreover, the study aligns with broader research on the role of soil microbiomes in biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem services. Soil microorganisms are known to govern the cycling of macronutrients, micronutrients, and other elements essential for plant and animal life[3]. Understanding how these microbial communities respond to various environmental factors, such as soil texture and nutrient levels, can provide valuable insights into how to manage and optimize agricultural ecosystems. The findings from the University of Limpopo study also resonate with research on the external microbiomes of nematodes and tardigrades in Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys. This research demonstrated that external bacterial microbiomes are more diverse than internal ones and are influenced by the surrounding environment, albeit to a lesser extent than internal microbiomes[4]. Similarly, the external bacterial communities associated with A. complexus in tomato fields are shaped by soil properties, suggesting that environmental factors play a significant role in structuring these microbial communities. In summary, the study conducted by the University of Limpopo provides valuable insights into the bacterial communities associated with Acrobeles complexus nematodes in tomato fields in South Africa. By identifying the key bacterial species and exploring the relationships between nematode abundance and soil properties, the research highlights the complex interactions that influence soil health and crop productivity. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of soil microbiomes and their role in agricultural ecosystems, offering potential strategies for optimizing agricultural practices and improving soil management.

AgricultureBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Bacterial communities associated with Acrobeles complexus nematodes recovered from tomato crops in South Africa.

Published 6th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304663

Related Studies

2) Bacterial communities associated with Zeldia punctata, a bacterivorous soil-borne nematode.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-021-00207-8

3) Soil microbiomes and climate change.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-019-0265-7

4) External and Internal Microbiomes of Antarctic Nematodes are Distinct, but More Similar to each other than the Surrounding Environment.

https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0004


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