Influence of geographical orchard location on the microbiome from the progeny of a pecan controlled cross

Authors: CERVANTS, KIMBERLY - New Mexico State University; Grauke, Larry; Wang, Xinwang; CONNER, PATRICK - Georgia State University; Bock, Clive; Pisani, Cristina; RANDALL, JENNIFER - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Plants
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2023
Publication Date: 1/12/2023
Citation: Cervants, K., Grauke, L.J., Wang, X., Conner, P., Bock, C.H., Pisani, C., Randall, J. 2023. Influence of geographical orchard location on the microbiome from the progeny of a pecan controlled cross. Plants. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020360. eArticle12020360
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020360

Interpretive Summary: The communities of microorganisms in the soil around pecan tree present complexity, not only because of its longevity but also its oversized tree form, and diverse geographical origins as well. In the long history of pecan plantation, pecan growers and researchers have not pay attention to the root growth environment, especially the microbiome composition and function. Past observation in pecan orchards showed the pecan production has been impacted by soil environment but no further scientific research. Modern technology provide opportunity to explore the mystery of the microorganism around the root system which influences the pecan growth and production. This study used recent innovations in technology to assess the microbiome interactions in seedling trees in greenhouse. The preliminary data provide foundation for further understanding of how the microbial populations are influenced by geographical origins, and diverse genotypes as well.

Technical Abstract: Production of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) has expanded well beyond the native distribution as the genetic diversity of the species, in part, has allowed the trees to grow under broad geographic and climatic ranges. Research in other plant species has demonstrated that the phytobiome of plants enhances their ability to survive and thrive in specific environments and conversely, the phytobiome of plants is influenced by the prevailing environment and the plant genetics, among other factors. We sought to analyze the microbiota of pecan seedlings from the controlled cross 'Lakota' × 'Oaxaca' (87MX3-2.1), that were made in Georgia and Texas, respectively, in order to identify the influence that maternal geographical origin has on the microbiome of the resulting progeny. Seeds from the controlled cross were collected from the maternal trees located in each state and planted under the same conditions in a controlled environment greenhouse. DNA extracted from the leaf tissue of each plant was subject to next generation sequencing. Analysis of bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units (OTU) indicated a significant difference in seedling leaf fungal composition between the seeds obtained from the two different states; however, seed origin did not induce significant differences in leaf bacterial composition. The results suggest that there is some environmental and host genetic component impacting the pecan microbiome, which may have ramifications for tree health grown in different environments.