Microcosm isolation of fungi and associated bacteria (exo and endo-bacteria) from six different locations

Different microcosm columns, containing four plant-based media as an attractant (Oatmeal agar, Sorghum grain agar, Potato-carrot agar and Cornmeal agar), were placed into the soil at six locations characterized by different plant coverages (Citrus sinensis, Diospyros kaki, Cycas revoluta, Ilex vomitoria, Myrica cerifera and Buxus). The isolated fungi and their associated endo- and exo- bacteria were identified using Sanger and Illumina MiSeq sequencing.The focus of this study is to determine how different plant coverage and plant-based media can affect the fungal-bacteria interactions (FBI) and the fungal endosymbiont communities.