Identification of barley genetic regions influencing plant-microbe interactions and carbon cycling in soil

Abstract
Purpose: Rhizodeposition shapes soil microbial communities that perform important processes such as soil C mineralization, but we have limited understanding of the plant genetic regions influencing soil microbes. Here, barley chromosome regions affecting soil microbial biomass-C (MBC), dissolved organic-C (DOC) and root biomass were characterised. Methods: A quantitative trait loci analysis approach was applied to identify barley chromosome regions affecting soil MBC, soil DOC and root biomass. This was done using barley Recombinant Chromosome Substitution Lines (RCSLs) developed with a wild accession (Caesarea 26-24) as a donor parent and an elite cultivar (Harrington) as recipient parent. Results: Significant differences in plant-derived MBC and DOC and root biomass between these RCSLs were observed. Analysis of variance using single nucleotide polymorphisms genotype classes revealed 16 chromosome regions influencing plant-derived MBC and DOC. Of these chromosome regions, five on chromosomes 2H, 3H and 7H were highly significant and two on chromosome 3H influenced both plant-derived MBC and DOC. Potential candidate genes influencing plant-derived MBC and DOC concentrations in soil were identified. Conclusion: The present findings provide new insights into the barley genetic influence on soil microbial communities. Further work to verify these barley chromosome regions and candidate genes could promote marker assisted selection and breeding of barley varieties that are able to more effectively shape soil microbes and soil processes via rhizodeposition, supporting sustainable crop production systems.
Year
2021
Category
Refereed journal
Output Tags
WP 2.1 Crop and grassland production and disease control (RESAS 2016-21)