Unravelling plant and soil microbiome interactions under di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) stress: controlling soil microbes through companion to enhance plant adaptation(bacteria)

The bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has attracted much attention in recent years. Most of the studies explored how above-ground plants and soil properties and microorganisms respond to DEHP stress. Similarly, companion is a planting practice with great potential for agricultural development, and companion affects plant health and development. However, the relationship between DEHP and companion and its effects on the soil environment and plant growth are unknown. In this study, we assessed the effects of adding different level of DEHP on soil microbial communities under wheat companion with maize. The results showed that companion altered soil microbial community structure and inhibited bacterial interactions at different DEHP levels. In addition, this study found that the effect of DEHP contamination on plant growth was inhibitory at low and high concentrations, but reduced the inhibitory effect of MPs on maize growth in companion planting mode, which may be due to the fact that the companion planting mode promotes the recruitment of maize to DEHP degrading bacteria in DEHP soil. These findings provide deep and comprehensive understanding for the root-associated bacterial and fungal communities in response to organic pollution.