Comparative analysis of actinorhizal nodule and associated soil microorganism diversity and structure in three Alnus species

Due to the importance of biological nitrogen fixation in terrestrial ecosystem, actinorhizal symbiosis has attracted more and more attention. Alder is an important actinorhizal plant, but little is known about the diversity of symbiotic microbiota in the actinorhizal nodules. In addition, the influence of eco-geographical environment on the microbial community of alder root nodule and soil is still unclear. In this study we sequenced the hyper-variable regions of the 16S rRNA from the root nodules and their rhizosphere soils of three alder species (Alnus mandshurica, Alnus sibirica, Alnus Japonica) in northeastern China to explore the diversity, composition, network association and nitrogen cycling pathway of the microbial communities in the actinorhizal nodules and associated soils.