Summary
This study characterised the avocado rhizosphere microbiota in relation to white root rot disease across two South African orchards using molecular metabarcoding. Whilst D. necatrix infection did not significantly reduce overall microbial diversity, it altered the relative abundance of specific taxa, with beneficial microbes including Streptomyces, Bacillus, Trichoderma and Penicillium enriched in disease-free soils. Soil pH and iron content emerged as key parameters correlating with microbial composition and pathogen resilience, providing a foundation for integrated disease management.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in South Africa and addresses avocado cultivation, a perennial horticulture crop not widely grown in the United Kingdom due to climate constraints. However, the methodological approach to characterising disease-suppressive microbiota and the identification of biocontrol candidates may inform phytopathology research on native UK fruit and horticultural crops affected by soil-borne pathogens.
Key measures
ITS and 16S metabarcoding of rhizosphere microbiota; soil pH and iron content; dual-culture assay inhibition of Dematophora necatrix by bacterial and fungal isolates
Outcomes reported
The study profiled rhizosphere microbial communities in white root rot-infected and non-infected avocado trees using ITS and 16S metabarcoding, and evaluated soil physicochemical properties and antagonistic activity of culturable isolates against the pathogen.
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