Work

Transcriptomic and Root Microbiome Responses of Lettuce to Beneficial Endophytic Bacteria in Hydroponic Systems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) relies on hydroponic systems to achieve high yields, yet optimizing plant performance remains a challenge. Beneficial endophytic bacteria offer a sustainable solution by promoting growth and nutrient uptake. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of growth enhancement in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) inoculated with Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system. Growth measurements showed significant increases in shoot and root biomass and leaf greenness. RNA-Seq profiling at 4, 10, and 15 days after transplanting revealed dynamic transcriptional reprogramming, with 38, 796, and 7,642 differentially expressed genes, respectively. MapMan and GO analyses indicated up regulation of pathways related to cell wall remodeling, lipid metabolism, nitrogen assimilation, and stress adaptation, alongside modulation of ethylene signaling. Root microbiome sequencing demonstrated distinct community shifts confirmed by Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM) (R = 1, p = 0.028), with enrichment of genera linked to nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion. These findings provide integrated molecular and ecological evidence that IALR632 enhances lettuce growth by coordinating host gene expression and rhizobiome restructuring, offering a mechanistic framework for microbial inoculant strategies in hydroponic horticulture.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms27073072

Authors: B. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Robert L. Chretien, Scott Lowman, Chuansheng Mei

Institution: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Language: English

Topic: Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499