Rhizosphere core microbes are associated with efficient potassium utilization in field-grown wheat

Abstract

Soil microbes are of vital importance in crop function and nutrient utilization. However, the core mechanisms and contributions of rhizosphere microbiota for potassium-efficient wheat varieties remain ambiguous. This article examined 24 wheat varieties, by which significant differences in rhizosphere microbial diversity and structure between potassium-efficient and -inefficient groups have been observed. It is revealed that both bacterial and fungal communities have strong correlations with wheat potassium utilization efficiency (KUE). Furthermore, this correlation is more bound up with the abundant taxa than the rare taxa. Notably, bacterial communities are demonstrated to have more substantial associations with yield and KUE compared to its counterpart, i.e., fungal and archaeal communities. The potassium-efficient group exhibited a more complex microbial network, where bacteria occupied a more prominent ecological niche than those of fungi and archaea. Core microorganisms, primarily Bacillus and Pseudobacillus, enhance wheat KUE directly or indirectly by shaping key microbial consortium and soil microbial communities. The experiment showed that soil microorganisms make a difference in the growth and nutrient accumulation of wheat. And core microorganisms significantly facilitate wheat growth and reinforce efficient potassium nutrient absorption and utilization. This study highlighted the rhizosphere microbiome differences among wheat varieties with different potassium utilization capacities, identified and characterized the core microorganisms in the rhizosphere of potassium-efficient wheat, and revealed their potential to improve wheat potassium nutrient uptake and utilization. These findings provide valuable insights for developing wheat breeding strategies aiming at enhancing potassium utilization.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

wheat / potassium / rhizosphere core microorganisms / nutrient use efficiency

Highlight

	● Significant differences in rhizosphere microbial communities of wheat varieties.
	● Abundant taxa are more closely associated with wheat potassium nutrient indicators.
	● Stronger correlation between bacteria and potassium use efficiency, yield.
	● Core microorganisms contribute to the potassium use efficiency in wheat.

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