Transcriptomic analysis of microbial communities isolated from the rhizospheres of wheat, oat and pea, compared to unplanted soil

Rhizosphere microbes are key players in biogeochemical cycles and maintainance of plant health and productivity. Here we used metatranscriptomic analysis of rRNA depleted RNA from the rhizospheres of wheat, oat, pea and unplanted soil to compare the metabolic functions of microbes in these environments. Using biological replication (n=5) we were able to give statisistical significance to the differences found. Microbes responsed to the rhizosphere environment by increasing metabolic activity in general, and particularly in metabolic pathways involved in sugar, organic acid and aromatics metabolism, oxidative stress, and motility. While general rhizosphere effects on the microbial communities were observed, many specific effects were plant species dependent.