Lettuce Plant Endospheric Bacterial Communities

Plant-associated microbiomes play a critical role in plant health, nutrition, growth, adaptation. This study aimed to investigate the formation pathways of the endospheric microbiome in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) through vertical (seed) and horizontal (substrate) transmission in hydroponic and soil environments. The bacterial microbiome from the seeds, roots, leaves and substrates was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This study provides new insights into the microbiome of lettuce seeds and the pathways of formation of the endospheric microbiome in adult plants. These findings lay the groundwork for future re-search aimed at better understanding microbiome dynamics in leafy crops and plant protection.