Root-Inhabiting and Rhizosphere Mycobiomes and Crop Yield of Corn and Wheat
Abstract
The root mycobiome plays a direct role in plant productivity, and the study of its community composition allows for identification of organisms that influence plant health. To better understand the role of fungal community composition in crop productivity, the root-associated mycobiomes of historically high and low yield sites of corn and wheat planted in rotation were characterized and analyzed along with soil physicochemical variables and crop yield. In each field studied, root and rhizosphere mycobiomes reflected significant differences in fungal species composition. Several soil variables were found to be predictors of differences in composition of sample types including soil texture and pH. The genera Fusicolla, Epicoccum, and Tetracladium were positively correlated with yield, and Neonectria, Pythium, Corynespora, and Mrakia were negatively correlated. Identifying differences in the root-associated mycobiome of crops and changes in the soil environment could aid in the development of community management tools that maximize crop productivity.