Characterization of Microbiomes associated with Japanese knotweed: an invasive plant species

Authors: Daniel Morgan, Katarzyna Dubiel

SUNY Campus: SUNY Brockport

Presentation Type: Oral

Location: UUW 324

Presentation #: 2

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Invasive plant species negatively impact natural ecosystems. One species, Reynoutria japonica, also known as Japanese knotweed, grows rapidly in dense thickets outgrowing other plants, altering the ecosystem. Japanese knotweed releases chemical compounds called phenolics into the soil. This study investigates the role these phenolics play in the composition and diversity of soil microbiomes. To this end, we collected soil from a control site with diverse plant coverage and a Japanese knotweed thicket. Plant-associated bacteria were isolated and identified from this soil. Data from agar plates used for bacterial isolation indicates that knotweed soil microbiomes are less diverse. To determine if knotweed produced phenolics impact bacterial behavior, tests were performed on bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Growth curves preformed with these strains show that phenolics negatively affect growth, however a few key strains, including many from knotweed soil, showed phenolic resistance. Biofilm testing identified a strain with stimulated biofilm formation in the presence of resveratrol, a knotweed produced phenolic. This data suggests that phenolics decrease bacterial diversity and alter soil microbiome composition. We hypothesize phenolics accomplish this by applying a selective pressure absent in native soil microbiomes. This work expands understanding of the impact Japanese knotweed has on native soil microbiomes.