Apple root-associated microbiomes after application of inoculants by amplicon sequencing

Aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of Pseudomonas sp. RU47 or Bacillus velezensis FZB42 to colonize apple roots and to modulate the microbiome with regard to the potential alleviation of apple replant disease (ARD). So far, studies that elucidate the effects of bacterial inoculants on fruit trees and its associated microbiome are rare. Also, sustainable management options to mitigate ARD are not available. 16S rRNA and ITS gene amplicon sequencing was performed on environmental DNA samples from root-affected soil, rhizoplane and root endosphere af young apple plantlets in soil with and without replanting history of apple. Additionally, apple plantlets were treated with two bacterial inoculants, either Pseudomonas sp. RU47 or Bacillus velezensis FZB42. Treatment with sterile water served as control treatment. For root-affected soil and rhizoplnae 16s rRNA and ITS gene datasets are available, for root endosphere only 16S rRNA gene amplicons.