Sorghum microbiome discovery and characterization in nitrogen-limited soil for improved biomass production
D. CHINIQUY (1), D. Schachtman (2), J. Dangl (3), S. Tringe (1) (1) Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, U.S.A.; (2) University of Nebraska-Lincoln, U.S.A.; (3) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, U.S.A.

Plant roots harbor microbial communities selected from the environment, some of which improve nutrient uptake and growth. Our goal is to establish a systems-level understanding of plant, microbial, and environmental interactions for improved sorghum growth through microbial adaptations to nitrogen-limited environments. We have examined the soil, rhizosphere, and root microbial communities of 11 sorghum genotypes in two sorghum fields using 16S ribosomal sequencing to determine the microbiome composition in low and high nitrogen soils. Preliminary results indicate significant shifts in the rhizosphere community composition between high and low nitrogen soils, as well as a large seasonal variation. This research will widen knowledge of the genetic and physiological mechanisms involved in nutrient use efficiency to create sustainable sorghum biofuel feedstock systems on marginal lands.

Abstract Number: C10-5, P4-120
Session Type: Concurrent