Uncovering the Solution to Adapting to Climate Change: It's Right Under Our Feet
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have uncovered the intricate relationship between grasses and the microbial communities living on their stems, leaves, and seeds, and how this relationship is affected by drought conditions. The research, published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, was conducted by Klaus Nüsslein and Daegan Miller, and was funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation.
The study focused on two different types of grasses: those that make up the majority of grasslands in temperate zones and those that predominate in tropical regions. The research group grew these grasses in two different greenhouses, mimicking natural climactic conditions, and subjected them to mild and severe drought conditions.
Under severe drought conditions, the microbial communities of all the grasses became less diverse and less resilient to environmental stress. Some harmful bacteria counts increased, but a few potentially beneficial bacteria were shown to thrive under mild drought conditions.
Tropical grasses were found to be better able to withstand drought than temperate grasses, but there were significant shifts in the microbiomes of all the grasses under severe drought conditions. When the bacteria showed signs of drought-induced stress, the plants also did.
Microbes play a crucial role in the health and growth of grasses, providing nutrients, hormones, protection from pathogens, UV radiation, and drought. The ability of agricultural grasses to withstand drought is directly related to the health of the microbial community living on them.
The goal of this research is to manage the interactions between plants and the bacteria they host to support a sustainable agriculture. With 60% of all agriculture being grass-related, affecting various aspects of our lives, including food security, economics, and international development, understanding these interactions is crucial.
For more information about the research, please contact Klaus Nüsslein at [email protected] or Daegan Miller at [email protected]. The DOI for the research is 10.1128/AEM.00895-21.
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