Switchgrass is a hardy, tall grass that is extremely drought tolerant. It is able to produce an impressive amount of biomass, which we may be able to convert into sustainable biofuels in the future. Because of this potential, DOE researchers have been studying this plant for nearly two decades.
By mapping connections between switchgrass genes and helpful microbes, the researchers aimed to identify which plant-associated microbiota can help the plant grow faster and produce more biomass.
Researchers investigated switchgrass plants grown in field sites in Texas, Missouri, and Michigan. This collaborative group also included scientists from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, the University of Missouri, and Michigan State University.
Through genome sequencing efforts at the JGI, the team identified which microbes were present in each of the soil samples. The researchers also pinpointed sections of the plant host genome that are associated with varying amounts of microbes.
This work revealed that the plant genes involved in immunity, development, and signaling were the most influential on the root microbiome makeup. These results provide a better understanding of how plants recruit vital microbes.
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