Revealing structure and assembly of rhizophyte - endophyte diazotrophic community in mangrove ecosystems with introduced Sonneratia apetala and Laguncularia racemosa

Biological nitrogen fixation mediated by diazotrophic community is the main source of bioavailable nitrogen in mangroves, which plays an important role in maintaining the health and stability of mangrove ecosystems. Recent large-scale mangrove afforestation activities in South China have drawn great attention due to introduced mangrove species and their potential impacts on bio-functionalities of local ecosystems. However, their effects on the diazotrophic communities remain unclear. Here, we compared the structure and assembly of rhizosphere and endosphere diazotrophic communities between native mangrove species (Avicennia marina) and introduced mangrove species (Sonneratia apetala and Laguncularia racemose) by sequencing the nifH gene amplicons.