May 13, 2024 | Plants |
Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Guangxi University in China explored the microbial community structures and functions in the rhizospheres of white-fleshed (Hylocereus undatus) and red-fleshed (Hylocereus polyrhizus) dragon fruit. This research aimed to support the development of microbial-based betalain synthesis technology by identifying microorganisms closely related to betalain production.
The study revealed distinct differences in the bacterial and fungal compositions between the two dragon fruit varieties. In the rhizosphere of H. undatus, the bacterial genera Kribbella and TM7a, along with the fungal genera Apiotrichum and Arachniotus, were uniquely dominant. In contrast, the rhizosphere of H. polyrhizus was dominated by the bacterial genus Bradyrhizobium and the fungal genus Myrothecium. Additionally, specific bacterial and fungal genera were significantly enriched in each rhizosphere, with H. undatus showing higher levels of TM7a, Novibacillus, Cupriavidus, and others, while H. polyrhizus had higher abundances of Penicillium, Blastobotrys, and similar genera.
These findings highlight the distinct microbial environments associated with each dragon fruit variety, providing insights that could inform future developments in betalain production using microorganisms.