Effect of removing Pityopsis Nervosa on the Soil Bacterial Microbiome of a Longleaf Pine Ecosystem

Disciplines

Genomics | Life Sciences | Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Abstract (300 words maximum)

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is an integral part of a diverse, endangered ecosystem in the Southeastern United States. Longleaf pines are better equipped to survive strong winds and droughts than other native species and are notable for their dependence on fire for successful regeneration and establishment. The herbaceous vegetation within this ecosystem provides suitable conditions for the longleaf pine by supporting a positive feedback loop with fire. The herbaceous community’s importance is well known, but the microbial community associated with these key players is currently understudied. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between soil microorganisms and two important herbaceous species in the longleaf pine ecosystem, Pityopsis nervosa and Andropogon sp. Pityopsis nervosa is the most dominant herbaceous species in the montane longleaf pine restoration sites studied; this forb plays a major role in ecosystem maintenance by serving as fuel for low-intensity fires. Two longleaf pine restoration sites in North Georgia were chosen. Six blocks were randomly set up at each site, and each block contained four randomized subplots with one of the following treatments: control, removal of Andropogon sp., removal of Pityopsis nervosa, and soil disturbance. DNA was extracted using a commercial extraction kit, measured for concentration, and analyzed to identify bacteria inhabiting the soil samples from each sublot. Preliminary results of these analyses indicated that Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were among the most abundant phyla of bacteria present in each treatment group. Acidobacteria is a keystone taxon known to regulate biochemical cycles and promote plant growth. Actinobacteria are widely distributed in soil and secrete enzymes involved in degrading chitin and chitosan, play roles in carbon cycling, and degrade plant residues. Additional findings will add to the knowledge of these key microbial groups inhabiting the ecosystem and interacting with dominant herbaceous species such as Pityopsis nervosa.

Academic department under which the project should be listed

CSM - Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Primary Investigator (PI) Name

Paula Jackson

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Effect of removing Pityopsis Nervosa on the Soil Bacterial Microbiome of a Longleaf Pine Ecosystem

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is an integral part of a diverse, endangered ecosystem in the Southeastern United States. Longleaf pines are better equipped to survive strong winds and droughts than other native species and are notable for their dependence on fire for successful regeneration and establishment. The herbaceous vegetation within this ecosystem provides suitable conditions for the longleaf pine by supporting a positive feedback loop with fire. The herbaceous community’s importance is well known, but the microbial community associated with these key players is currently understudied. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between soil microorganisms and two important herbaceous species in the longleaf pine ecosystem, Pityopsis nervosa and Andropogon sp. Pityopsis nervosa is the most dominant herbaceous species in the montane longleaf pine restoration sites studied; this forb plays a major role in ecosystem maintenance by serving as fuel for low-intensity fires. Two longleaf pine restoration sites in North Georgia were chosen. Six blocks were randomly set up at each site, and each block contained four randomized subplots with one of the following treatments: control, removal of Andropogon sp., removal of Pityopsis nervosa, and soil disturbance. DNA was extracted using a commercial extraction kit, measured for concentration, and analyzed to identify bacteria inhabiting the soil samples from each sublot. Preliminary results of these analyses indicated that Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were among the most abundant phyla of bacteria present in each treatment group. Acidobacteria is a keystone taxon known to regulate biochemical cycles and promote plant growth. Actinobacteria are widely distributed in soil and secrete enzymes involved in degrading chitin and chitosan, play roles in carbon cycling, and degrade plant residues. Additional findings will add to the knowledge of these key microbial groups inhabiting the ecosystem and interacting with dominant herbaceous species such as Pityopsis nervosa.