Comparative analysis of the root microbiomes of Verticillium longisporum resistant and susceptible rapeseed lines

Abstract: In a first pilot study we investigated the root-microbiomes of two contrasting double haploid oilseed rape lines which were either resistant or susceptible to Verticillium longisporum infection. The two contrasting oilseed rape double haploid lines were obtained from a cross of a susceptible and a resistant parent. We hypothesized that the rapeseed lines establish specific root microbiomes which may be responsible or contribute to the resistance against V. longisporum. To get a first impression of differences in the root microbiomes of the two rapeseed lines seeds were germinated and grown for 10 days either in sand or soil. Roots were harvested to study the root microbiomes. First results indicated that the root microbiomes were strongly affected by the growth in sand or soil but also showed rapeseed line specific differences, especially after growth in sand. Interestingly, the root microbiome of the resistant rapeseed line was more diverse than that of the susceptible rapeseed line after growth in soil. Those preliminary data gave a first inside in rapeseed line specific root microbiomes. Currently running studies will further extend the understanding of the role of the rapeseed line specific microbiomes for expression of Verticillum resistance.