Unraveling the functional genes present in rhizosphere microbiomes of Solanum lycopersicum

The microbiomes living in the rhizosphere soil of the tomato plant contribute immensely to the state of health of the tomato plant alongside improving sustainable agriculture. With the aid of shotgun metagenomics sequencing, we characterized the putative functional genes (plant-growth-promoting and disease-resistant genes) produced by the microbial communities dwelling in the rhizosphere soil of healthy and powdery mildew-diseased tomato plants. The results identified twenty-one (21) plant growth promotion (PGP) genes in the microbiomes inhabiting the healthy rhizosphere (HR) which are more predomiant as compared to diseased rhizosphere (DR) that has nine (9) genes and four (4) genes in bulk soil (BR). Likewise, we identified some disease-resistant genes which include nucleotide binding genes and antimicrobial genes. Our study revealed fifteen (15) genes in HR which made it greater in comparison to DR that has three (3) genes and three (3) genes in bulk soil. Further studies should be conducted by isolating these microorganisms and introduce them to field experiments for cultivation of tomatoes.

Automated summary

Microbiomes living in the rhizosphere soil play a significant role in enhancing tomato plant health and promoting sustainable agriculture. In this study, shotgun metagenomics sequencing was used to characterize the functional genes produced by microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of healthy and powdery mildew-diseased tomato plants. The results identified a higher abundance of plant growth promotion genes in the healthy rhizosphere compared to the diseased rhizosphere and bulk soil. Additionally, disease-resistant genes were also identified. Further research should focus on isolating these microorganisms and conducting field experiments for tomato cultivation.