Prokaryotic communities adapted to microhabitats on the Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) growing in the high-altitude urban Dal Lake

Abstract

Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is one of the dominant aquatic plants cultivated in Dal Lake, situated at 1586 m above MSL in the northeast of Srinagar, Kashmir. Despite their economic and ecological role, the microbial communities associated with the lotus plant are still unexplored. In this study, we investigated prokaryotic communities harboured by different lotus microhabitats (roots, rhizome, leaves, owers and fruits), lake water, and sediments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Overall, prokaryotic diversity decreased signi cantly on the lotus in comparison to the lake water and sediments. Among the microhabitats of lotus, roots and leaves harboured more diverse communities in comparison to rhizomes, fruits and owers. A total of 98 genera were shared by lotus and the Dal Lake sediments and water.However, signi cant differences were found in their relative abundance, like Pseudomonas was the most dominant genus on most lotus microhabitats. On the other hand, Flavobacterium was highly abundant in the lake water, while a higher abundance of Acinetobacter was recorded in sediments. Additionally, signi cant differences were recorded in the proportion of several genera including Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Sphingomonas, Erwinia, Lactococcus, Rhizobium, Weissella, and Raoultella among the lotus microhabitats. Predicted functions of prokaryotic communities revealed a higher abundance of genes associated with nutrient uptake in the microhabitats of the lotus. This study offered rst-hand information on the prokaryotic communities harboured by lotus plants and water and sediments of the Dal Lake and demonstrated the adaptation of diverse communities to microhabitats of lotus.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract Induces Cytotoxicity in Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells

“…Herbs such as Rabdosia rubescens, Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Olea europaea L., and Evodia rutaecarpa and their components have been investigated for anti-cancer effects [15]. Furthermore, all the parts of Nelumbo nucifera like the leaves, rhizome, flowers and seeds were considered to be of medicinal importance traditionally [16]. On that account, Nelumbo nucifera leaf was analyzed in this study against a human osteosarcoma cell line.…”

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): a multidisciplinary review of its cultural, ecological, and nutraceutical significance

“…In addition to its direct pollution absorption capabilities, the rhizosphere of Nelumbo nucifera fosters a thriving ecosystem of microorganisms (Mohd Zaini et al 2021 ). These microbial communities engage in symbiotic relationships with the plant, playing a crucial role in the decomposition of organic materials (Chaudhari et al 2023 ). This process not only maintains water clarity but also contributes to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.…”