The invasive Sorghum halepense harbors endophytic N2-fixing bacteria and alters soil biogeochemistry

Abstract

Exotic plants invading new habitats frequently initiate broad changes in ecosystem functioning.

The Role of Plants in the Effects of Global Change on Nutrient Availability and Stoichiometry in the Plant-Soil System

“…their invasive success (Rout and Chrzanowski, 2009). The more limiting N is, the higher the possibility of alien invasion by N 2 -fixing plants, especially if P is not so limiting.…”

Role and influence of soil microbial communities on plant invasion

“…Mutualistic microbes modify plant communities by either facilitating or inhibiting plant invasions depending Rout and Chrzanowski (2009) upon the symbiotic interactions in native and non-native habitats (Hawkes et al, 2005;Richandson et al, 2000;Coats & Rumpho, 2014). The majority of the plants form the symbiotic association with AM fungi (Allen, 1991;Smith & Read, 2008), nitrogen fixing bacteria (Richardson et al, 2000;Ehrenfled, 2003) and with the wide range of other endophytes (Shipunov et al, 2008;Newcombe et al, 2009).…”

“…The invasion of Amaranthus viridis L., restricts the nodulation of Acacia sp. and reduces the growth of 30 strains of rhizobia originating from different regions in Africa (Sanon et al, 2011 (Rout & Chrzanowski, 2009;Rout et al, 2013).…”

“…Most of the previous studies indicate that plant invasion could alter the physiochemical properties of the soil (Rout & Chrzanowski, 2009;Novoa et al, 2014;Kuebbing et al, 2014). Among the different soil physiochemical characteristics, soil temperature, moisture, and pH are considered as the important factors in litter decomposition, soil nitrogen contents, metabolic activities and community structure of soil microbes (Wang et al, 2011).…”

Soil Biota and Plant Invasions: Biogeographical Effects on Plant–Microbe Interactions

“…facilitation and mutualisms) are emphasized in shaping natural and invaded communities (Bruno et al 2003 ;Richardson et al 2000 ). Perhaps successful invasions are due in part to the lack of coevolved interactions with soil biota, thus invaders are interacting with microbial symbionts in ways that are more benefi cial through positive feedbacks (Klironomos 2002 ;Packer & Clay 2000 ;Reinhart et al 2003Reinhart et al , 2005Callaway et al 2004a,b ), increased soil nutrient pools (Liao et al 2008 ;Rodgers et al 2008 ;Rout & Chrzanowski 2009 ), and perhaps the accumulation of more beneficial mutualisms.…”