Rhizosphere microbial diversity and functional roles in tea cultivars: insights from high-throughput sequencing and functional isolates

Rhizosphere microorganisms play a significant role in influencing the growth and quality of tea plants (Camellia sinensis). However, the complex mechanisms underlying the interactions between rhizosphere microorganisms and tea plants require further investigation. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing and the isolation of functional rhizosphere microorganisms to examine variations in rhizosphere microbial diversity and functional characteristics among five distinct tea cultivars: Camellia sinensis cv. Wuniuzao, Fudingdahao, Fuyunliuhao, Jinxuan, and Fudingdabai, each recognized for its unique qualities and adaptability. Our results revealed significant differences in the community diversity of rhizosphere microorganisms among the different tea cultivars. The phylum Mucoromycota may exert a notable influence on the growth of cultivars Wuniuzao, Fudingdahao, and Fuyunliuhao through metabolic pathways such as lipid metabolism. Specifically, Serratia spp. and Enterobacter spp. which produce higher levels of IAA and were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of cultivars Wuniuzao and Fudingdahao, may play a critical role in promoting tea plant growth and development. Additionally, bacteria from the phylum Acidobacteriota may also contribute significantly to tea plant growth. These findings provide valuable insights into the roles of rhizosphere microorganisms in influencing the growth and quality of tea plants, offering a foundation for further exploration of microbial-assisted strategies to enhance tea cultivation.

根际微生物（rhizosphere microorganisms）在影响茶树（Camellia sinensis）的生长与品质方面发挥着重要作用。然而，根际微生物与茶树之间互作的复杂机制仍有待进一步探究。本研究采用高通量测序（high-throughput sequencing）技术与根际功能微生物分离方法，针对5个各具独特品质与适应性的茶树栽培品种——乌牛早（Camellia sinensis cv. Wuniuzao）、福鼎大毫（Fudingdahao）、福云流号（Fuyunliuhao）、金萱（Jinxuan）以及福鼎大白（Fudingdabai），分析其根际微生物多样性与功能特征的差异。研究结果显示，不同茶树品种的根际微生物群落多样性存在显著差异。毛霉门（Mucoromycota）可能通过脂质代谢等代谢通路，对乌牛早、福鼎大毫与福云流号的生长产生显著影响。具体而言，从乌牛早与福鼎大毫的根际土壤中分离得到的、可分泌高水平吲哚-3-乙酸（IAA）的沙雷氏菌属（Serratia spp.）与肠杆菌属（Enterobacter spp.），可能在促进茶树生长发育过程中发挥关键作用。此外，酸杆菌门（Acidobacteriota）的细菌也对茶树生长具有显著的促进作用。本研究结果为阐明根际微生物在调控茶树生长与品质中的作用提供了宝贵的科学见解，也为后续探索微生物辅助的茶树栽培增效策略奠定了研究基础。