Relationships between mycorrhizal formation levels and associated bacteria communities in a mixotrophic plant, Pyrola japonica

Relationships between mycorrhizal formation levels and associated bacteria communities in a mixotrophic plant, Pyrola japonica

Kohtaro Sakae, Yudai Kitagami, Yosuke Matsuda*

Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie, Japan

*Email: m-yosuke@bio.mie-u.ac.jp

A forest floor plant, Pyrola japonica in Ericaceae, is mixotrophic obtaining carbon (C) from both photosynthetic and root-associated mycorrhizal fungal pathways. The plant forms arbutoid mycorrhizas without fungal sheaths, and associated fungi invaginate mycelia into epidermal cells forming a coil structure. Mycorrhizal formations can be morphologically divided into three status based on coil conditions: limited, full, and digested coils. Since rhizosphere is a unique environment reflecting root conditions, bacterial communities can alter according to the mycorrhization levels of P. japonica roots. The aim of this study was to identify rhizosphere bacteria associated with the mixotrophic plant P. japonica. Mature P. japonica were collected at a Quercus serrata dominated forest in the central Japan. The root systems were retrieved and a total of 3 cm from several locations was harvested with distinguishing mycorrhizal status without washing. After DNAs were extracted from each the status sample, a partial 16s RNA region was PCR amplified. To infer inhabiting bacteria, positive PCR products were applied for next-generation sequencing with the Mi-seq system. Based on obtaining results, we will demonstrate rhizosphere bacterial communities and discuss their relation to different mycorrhizal status of P. japonica.