The introduced lineage of Phragmites australis in North America differs from its co-existing native lineage in associated soil microbial structure – A holistic view of plant traits and soil microbiome from a common garden experiment

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims The introduced lineage of Phragmites australis (haplotype M) in North America outcompetes the native lineage (haplotype P). Haplotype M situates at the fast-side of trait economic spectrum rather than haplotype P. The present study evaluated the plant traits and associated soil microbiome of the introduced and native Phragmites lineages using a common garden experiment in East China. Methods Four geographic groups including the introduced lineage of North America (NAint, haplotype M), native lineage of North America (NAnat, haplotype P), European group (EU, haplotype M) and Northwestern China group (CHN, haplotype M) were probed for plant traits and associated soil microbiome in two life-history stages – growing period and withering period. Results No significant differences in functional traits were shown among the four groups. The difference existed mainly in the soil microbial structure. The soils derived from the four groups had different bacterial generic structure however similar bacterial functional structure. NAint accumulated more orchid mycorrhizal fungi than the other three groups, while NAnat gathered more plant pathogenic and ectomycorrhizal fungi in the growing period. In the withering period, NAint accumulated more plant pathogenic fungi while NAnat gathered more arbuscular mycorrhizal fungai. NAint, EU and CHN shared different soil microbial structures despite the same haplotype. Conclusion The interaction between plant traits and soil microbiome seemed weak. However, the long-term effects of microbial transition on the introduced and native lineage are unknown and the potential plant-soil interactions need further exploration.