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Diurnal rhythmicity in the rhizosphere microbiome - mechanistic insights and significance for rhizosphere function
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  • Gary Bending,
  • Amy Newman,
  • Emma Picot,
  • Ryan Mushinski,
  • David L. Jones,
  • Isabelle Carre
Gary Bending
University of Warwick School of Life Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Amy Newman
University of Warwick School of Life Sciences
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Emma Picot
University of Warwick School of Life Sciences
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Ryan Mushinski
University of Warwick School of Life Sciences
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David L. Jones
Bangor University School of Natural Sciences
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Isabelle Carre
University of Warwick School of Life Sciences
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Abstract

The rhizosphere is a key interface between plants, microbes and the soil which influences plant health and nutrition and modulates terrestrial biogeochemical cycling processes. Recently it has been shown that the rhizosphere environment is far more dynamic than previously recognized, with evidence emerging for diurnal rhythmicity in rhizosphere chemistry and in the composition of rhizosphere microbial communities. Rhythmicity of the rhizosphere microbiome is in part linked to the host plant's circadian rhythm, although evidence also points to some heterotrophic rhizosphere bacteria and fungi possessing rhythmicity. We review the evidence for diurnal rhythmicity in the composition and abundance of rhizosphere microbial communities, and its link to the plant circadian clock. Factors which may drive microbial rhythmicity in the rhizosphere are discussed, including diurnal change in the flux and composition of root exudates, rhizosphere physico-chemical properties and plant immunity mechanisms. The potential contributions of microbial processes to community rhythmicity are considered, including self-sustained microbial rhythms, bacterial movement into and out of the rhizosphere, and microbe-microbe interactions. We also consider evidence that changes in microbial composition mediated by the plant circadian clock may affect microbial function and its significance for plant health and broader soil biogeochemical cycling processes. We identify key knowledge gaps and approaches which could help to resolve the spatial and temporal variation and functional significance of rhizosphere microbial rhythmicity. This includes unravelling the factors which determine the oscillation of microbial activity, growth and death, and cross-talk with the host over diurnal time frames. We conclude that diurnal rhythmicity is an inherent characteristic of the rhizosphere environment and that temporal factors should be considered and reported in experimental studies conducted on the rhizosphere.
Submitted to Plant, Cell & Environment
17 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Aug 20241st Revision Received
07 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
07 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
09 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Sep 20242nd Revision Received
26 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
26 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
26 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Oct 20243rd Revision Received
01 Nov 2024Submission Checks Completed
01 Nov 2024Assigned to Editor
01 Nov 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Nov 2024Editorial Decision: Accept