Invasive Plant Alternanthera philoxeroides Benefits More Competition Advantage from Rhizosphere Bacteria Regardless of the Host Source

Abstract

The rhizosphere plays a vital role in the exchange of materials in the soil–plant ecosystem, and rhizosphere microorganisms are crucial for plant growth and development. In this study, we isolated two strains of Pantoea rhizosphere bacteria separately from invasive Alternanthera philoxeroides and native A. sessilis. We conducted a control experiment to test the effects of these bacteria on the growth and competition of the two plant species using sterile seedlings. Our findings showed that the rhizobacteria strain isolated from A. sessilis significantly promoted the growth of invasive A. philoxeroides in monoculture compared to native A. sessilis. Both strains significantly enhanced the growth and competitiveness of invasive A. philoxeroides under competition conditions, regardless of their host source. Our study suggests that rhizosphere bacteria, including those from different host sources, can contribute to the invasion of A. philoxeroides by significantly enhancing its competitiveness.

<em>Ficus tikoua </em>Bur. May Have Resistance to Invasive Plant <em>Alternanthera philoxeroides</em>

“…Invasive plants can alter the soil microbial community near their roots by recruiting different soil microbes, which is a potential mechanism for them to influence nutrient cycling. Microorganisms promote host plant growth and development through various mechanisms, such as nitrogen fixation, indoleacetic acid production, and iron carrier production (Li et al, 2023). However, our results indicated that the DMSP and carbon cycle pathways of F. tikoua Bur.…”