Seed endophytic bacteria shift across lima bean generations

This study investigated how the seed-associated bacterial communities change across successive generations of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) during plant breeding. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed the seed endophytic microbiome from parental lines through advanced generations (F2 to F9). The results revealed a progressive restructuring of the seed bacteriome, with specific bacterial groups, such as Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, and Lysinibacillus, becoming enriched in later generations, while early lines were dominated by Methylobacterium and Anaerobacillus. These findings indicate that host genotype and generational advancement influence the inheritance and composition of seed microbiota, highlighting the role of microbial selection during crop improvement.

本研究探究了作物育种过程中利马豆（Phaseolus lunatus L.）的种子相关细菌群落随连续世代的演替规律。研究采用16S rRNA基因测序（16S rRNA gene sequencing）技术，对亲本株系至高世代（F2至F9）的利马豆种子内生微生物组（seed endophytic microbiome）进行了分析。结果显示，种子细菌群落（seed bacteriome）呈现逐步重构的趋势：假单胞菌属（Pseudomonas）、伯克霍尔德菌属（Burkholderia）与赖氨酸芽孢杆菌属（Lysinibacillus）等特定类群在高世代中显著富集，而早期株系的群落则以甲基杆菌属（Methylobacterium）和厌氧芽孢杆菌属（Anaerobacillus）为优势类群。本研究结果表明，宿主基因型与世代迭代会影响种子微生物群的遗传特性与组成结构，凸显了作物改良过程中微生物筛选的关键作用。