ABSTRACT: The extended and unscientific use of chemical fertilizers has significantly diminished soil microbial activity. A long-term field trial spanning for 12 years was conducted to assess soil fertility and microbial activity under different fertilization strategies. A soil column system was established, incorporating nine types of conventional chemical fertilizers across three concentration gradients to simulate the effects of consistent and intensive application commonly seen in agricultural practices. High-throughput sequencing and Biolog technology were employed to examine the soil structure, function, and metabolic gene profiles in microbes. Throughout the period of consistent fertilization, the annual yield of tobacco leaves showed a steady decline. However, the use of organic and bio-organic fertilizers has proven to be remarkably effective, reversing this drop in productivity by between 8.88 and 13.25 percentage points. In the soil column fertilization simulation system, the consistent use of nine different chemical fertilizers led to significant variations in the diversity of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. After an extended period of high-frequency application with a 50 % reduction in urea dosage, the Shannon index exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase of 1.77 % compared to its initial level. Notably, monoammonium phosphate and compound fertilizers markedly inhibited the abundance of Proteobacteria, whereas potassium nitrate displayed a promoting effect. Additionally, the expression of amino acid and nucleotide transport and metabolism genes in the calcium-magnesium phosphate fertilizer, when applied at the standard dosage, was found to upregulated. In conclusion, the prolonged application of various chemical fertilizers negatively impacts soil microbial activity, with a more pronounced effect observed from straight chemical fertilizers compared to compound fertilizers.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an important economic crop whose production is severely threatened by black shank and bacterial wilt, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae and Ralstonia solanacearum, respectively. Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors (KTIs), as key components of plant innate immunity, play crucial roles in defense against biotic stress in various plant species. In this study, we systematically identified 22 KTI genes in N. tabacum genome and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their phylogenetic relationships, structural features, and expression patterns. By comparing transcriptomic profiles under colonization by the beneficial endophyte Piriformospora indica versus infection by the pathogenic fungus P. nicotianae, we identified a pathogen-specifically induced gene, NtKTI9. This gene was significantly activated upon infection by both P. nicotianae and R. solanacearum. Functional studies revealed that the NtKTI9 protein possesses trypsin inhibitory activity and exhibits antimicrobial capacity in vitro. Overexpression of NtKTI9 in tobacco activated the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway, which promoted lignin deposition in the roots and enhanced plant resistance against both pathogens. Further mechanistic analysis showed that the expression of NtKTI9 is induced by jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, while its overexpression, in turn, strengthens JA signaling by regulating α-linolenic acid metabolism, suggesting a potential positive feedback loop that synergistically amplify plant immune responses. Based on gain-of-function evidence, this study indicates that NtKTI9 positively contributes to immune regulation in tobacco, which not only deepens our understanding of how KTI genes participate in plant immunity but also provides a novel candidate gene and theoretical foundation for molecular breeding of disease-resistant tobacco.

Isonicotinic acid (INA) is a widely used chemical and agricultural intermediate, which contaminates agricultural products, causes lysine isonicotinylation of histones, and increases the risk of cancer in humans. The microbial degradation of INA has been continuously investigated for 60 years, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, a newly isolated strain, Alicycliphilus denitrificans DP3, was found to degrade 2.5 mM INA to undetectable levels within 48 h. A novel ina gene cluster located on the plasmid encodes two consecutive three-component molybdenum-dependent hydroxylases: InaA1A2A3 catalyzes the first hydroxylation of INA to 2-hydroxyisonicotinate (2HINA), while InaB1B2B3 catalyzes the second hydroxylation to 2,6-dihydroxyisonicotinate (26HINA). H218O isotope labeling confirmed that the incorporated oxygen atoms are derived from water. RT-qPCR demonstrated that seven ina genes were strongly induced by INA. Comparative genomics showed that homologous ina clusters are globally distributed, and these findings provide the first genetic framework for microbial INA degradation.

Extensive use of dinitroaniline herbicides results in their pollution to surface waters and aquatic sediments, posing a threat to aquatic organisms. Microbial degradation is an ideal method to remediate herbicide pollution, but still faces the challenges of product preservation and strain survival in contaminated site. Here, an endospore-forming bacterium Bacillus licheniformis DYB9 was isolated, which could efficiently degrade pendimethalin and butralin. The metabolic pathways of both herbicides in strain DYB9 were identified. Moreover, the endospores of this strain were prepared and the conditions for rapid activation of the endospores was established. Compared to the dormant endospores, the activated ones were able to eliminate about 90% pendimethalin residues from lake water in 36 h. Together, this work highlights a promising bacterium and method to remediate dinitroaniline herbicides-polluted water.

IntroductionSustainable food production in fragile karst landscapes requires moving beyond input-intensive agriculture.MethodsThis study investigated how long-term organic amendments affected maize yield, using a 15-year field trial on karst yellow soil. Integrating soil analysis, metagenomics, and causal modeling, revealed that adding farmyard manure or bio-organic fertilizer to mineral NPK increased yield by 12.08% and 11.48%, respectively, and improved key soil properties, most notably available phosphorus. ResultsOrganic inputs shifted the soil microbiome toward copiotrophic taxa and enriched genes for organic matter decomposition and phosphorus mobilization. However, statistical modeling revealed that these biological changes did not directly drive yield. Instead, the primary pathway was hierarchical: amendments first enhanced the soil’s chemical habitat, which then directly boosted crop growth while simultaneously shaping the microbial community and its functional potential. The interaction of soil, microbes, and genes together explained 81% of the yield variation. DiscussionOur findings demonstrate that in phosphorus-limited karst soils, organic amendments act foremost as soil conditioners. Microbial processes, though crucial, are secondary mediators that translate improved soil conditions into efficient nutrient cycling. Therefore, sustainable intensification in these vulnerable agroecosystems should prioritize managing soil health over directly targeting microbial processes.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an important cash crop, but its yield, quality, and profitability are severely affected by bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. There is currently no effective means to control tobacco bacterial wilt. This study reported a novel strategy to improve resistance to bacterial wilt and enhance the growth of tobacco. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles with concentrations of > 250 mg/L inhibited the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum while promoting Piriformospora indica growth. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles can bind to Piriformospora indica through electric field force. Compared with the single application of magnesium oxide nanoparticles or Piriformospora indica, co-application of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (250 mg/L) and Piriformospora indica (107 cfu/mL) demonstrated a superior promoting effect on tobacco growth and resistance to bacterial wilt. The magnesium oxide nanoparticles-Piriformospora indica combination strengthened the functions of magnesium oxide nanoparticles or Piriformospora indica on tobacco by inducing expression of the genes involved in pathogenesis (such as PTI and PR10a), immunity, reactive oxygen species detoxification, hormone signaling, and transcriptional regulation (such as WRKY). This combination shapes the microbial community to improve tobacco resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum, resulting in an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Streptomyces, Nocardioides, and Micromonospora. Furthermore, an integrated analysis of the transcriptome, metagenomics, and soil metabolomics revealed the root-microbe interactional networks driven by the magnesium oxide nanoparticles-Piriformospora indica combination under Ralstonia solanacearum attack. This work highlights the advantages of the magnesium oxide nanoparticles-Piriformospora indica combination in tobacco production, providing an potential nanobiofertilizer for controlling tobacco bacterial wilt.

Microplastics (MPs) are of great concern because of their potential adverse effects on plant growth. Currently, most studies on the effects of MPs on plant growth have focused on macroscopic aspects, while fewer studies have been conducted at the molecular level. In this study, we combined metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches to reveal the effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on Pisum sativum seedlings and their response mechanisms at the molecular level. The findings indicated that elevated levels of PE-MPs significantly impeded the growth of Pisum sativum seedlings, while lower concentrations of PE-MPs somewhat facilitated the growth of Pisum sativum seedlings. Additionally, laser confocal scanning microscopy clearly demonstrated that PE-MPs can be taken up by the roots, stems, and leaves of Pisum sativum seedlings. Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses showed that PE-MPs affect growth by influencing tryptophan metabolism and photosynthesis in Pisum sativum seedlings. As the concentration of PE-MPs increased, Pisum sativum seedlings responded to PE-MPs stress by increasing the expression of genes that encode growth hormone synthesis and cell membrane synthesis. This is the first time that the effects of PE-MPs on Pisum sativum seedling growth have been studied at the molecular level, highlighting the potential ecological risks of PE-MPs in agricultural systems.

Nitrate transporters play important roles in nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization in plants. The function of nitrate transporter 2 (NRT2) in model plants under low-N (LN) conditions has been studied, but there are few studies on non-model plants, including Tartary buckwheat (an important medicinal and edible crop). In this study, seven NRT2 genes were identified in Tartary buckwheat genome. All the FtNRT2 proteins were localized to the cell membrane with 10–12 transmembrane domains, and have the common structural characteristics of NRT2. Expression analysis showed FtNRT2.1 was expressed in all tissues, FtNRT2.3/2.4 were specifically expressed in roots, and FtNRT2.6/2.7 were specifically expressed in seeds. Under LN, the expression of FtNRT2.1/2.4 was induced, while FtNRT2.3 was suppressed. The root-specific expressed gene FtNRT2.4 may be the key NRT2 member for regulating LN response by sequence, molecular docking, and expression analysis. Overexpression of FtNRT2.4 in tobacco improved plant growth and N uptake under 0 and 5 mM N conditions. An ancillary protein of FtNRT2.4, FtNRT3.2, was characterized by yeast two-hybrid and firefly luciferase complementation assays. In addition, 14 transcription factors (TFs) may involve in the regulation of FtNRT2.4 expression by co-expression analysis. FtNF-YB8, a TF localized in cytoplasm and nucleus, can bind to the promoter of FtNRT2.4 by yeast one-hybrid analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter analysis showed that FtNF-YB8 improved the expression of FtNRT2.4. These findings indicated the important role of FtNRT2.4 in LN response and provide new insights into the regulatory function of NRT2.

Seed germination is vital for crop emergence and yield. Seed biopriming with beneficial microbes like Piriformospora indica has gained attention for promoting plant growth and stress tolerance. This study used tobacco as a model to explore P. indica’s germination-enhancing mechanisms through physiological and transcriptomic analyses via RNA-Seq under controlled laboratory conditions. Results showed P. indica enhanced lipid and starch degradation, upregulated related genes, and optimized sugar metabolism networks. In energy metabolism, P. indica reprogrammed genes in glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the TCA cycle, forming an efficient energy-generating network. P. indica also activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes and antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing oxidative stress. In summary, P. indica likely improves tobacco seed germination via metabolic remodeling, energy optimization, and oxidative defense. These findings offer insights into P. indica’s role in seed germination and hold promise for seed coating and early-stage biostimulant formulations in crops.

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most severe plant diseases all over the world. Currently, many scientists are using SynCom (synthetic microbial community) to control this disease. However, designing of highly efficient SynCom remains challenging. In this study, we isolated 372 bacteria with different morphologies from the rhizosphere soil of healthy tobacco plants in a diseased field. Based on the antagonistic activity, compatibility, and presence of cheA gene, a marker gene of chemotaxis, we constructed a chemotactic SynCom comprising two Pseudomonas strains and one Bacillus strain. In vitro experiments revealed that vitamin C, propionic acid, and esculetin significantly promoted the growth and antagonistic ability of chemotactic SynCom strains. Next, we optimized the proportion of organic fertilizer to support the growth of the SynCom strains. The application of the bioorganic fertilizer containing chemotactic SynCom can protect diseased tobacco field from R. solanacearum invasion and enhance yields. Finally, rhizosphere bacterial community analysis showed that phyla Bacillota and Chloroflexiota were significantly enriched. This study highlights the potential of chemotactic SynCom for effective biocontrol, offering a new approach for managing bacterial wilt and enhancing crop yields. • The bioorganic fertilizer containing chemotactic SynCom suppresses R. solanacearum and boosts tobacco yields. • Root exudate-selected prebiotics enhance the antagonistic effects of SynCom against pathogens. • SynCom bioorganic fertilizer regulates the rhizosphere microbiome, enriching beneficial bacterial phyla.

Atrazine is widely used to control weeds in crop production. However, residual atrazine in the soil causes phytotoxicity to subsequent tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in the cereal crop-tobacco rotation system. The regulatory mechanisms on the response of tobacco to atrazine remain unclear, which prevents the development of effective strategies for improving the resistance of tobacco against atrazine stress. In this study, the response of tobacco to atrazine was investigated by analyzing transcriptome, exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) miRNAs, and rhizosphere microbial community. Atrazine with concentrations of > 0.67 mg/kg inhibited tobacco growth and caused obvious toxic symptoms. Atrazine increased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide accumulations and regulated oxidative enzymes’ activities. Transcriptome analysis showed that atrazine suppressed root and leaf development, photosynthesis, chloroplast biosynthesis, and stomatal movement. Many genes encoding glutathione S-transferase, glutathione hydrolase, and thioredoxin were regulated by atrazine, which may be involved in atrazine detoxification and tolerance. Atrazine decreased the relative abundance of tobacco rhizosphere bacteria Chloroflexi, Actinobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Cyanobacteria, but increased that of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Gemmatimonadota, and Armatimonadota. Atrazine suppressed the alpha diversity and richness of rhizosphere fungi. The abundance of Aspergillus and Mortierella was increased by atrazine, which may be the potential resources for identifying atrazine-degrading microbes. Atrazine enhanced expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes coupled with Proteobacteria enrichment, which may help tobacco to survive from atrazine stress. Additionally, five atrazine-responsive miRNAs, novel_17/55/60/97/99, were identified in ELNs isolated from tobacco roots. Finally, three 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase (4CL) genes were identified by integrating transcriptome and miRNA data. It is proposed that atrazine induced 4CL genes’ expression by suppressing miRNA novel_55/97 abundance, and then activating phenylpropanoid pathways for reconstructing rhizosphere microbial community. This study provides new insights into the response of plants to atrazine, and suggests the key genes, ELNs miRNAs, and microbes involved in atrazine detoxification.

In this study, a novel bacterial strain, M1, capable of degrading both polystyrene (PS) microplastics and carbendazim, was isolated from soil heavily contaminated with microplastics and fungicide carbendazim, and was identified and determined to be Bacillus velezensis. During the 60-day cultivation period, degradation experiments with single pollutants demonstrated that, at a concentration of 1000 mg/L, the strain achieved mass reduction efficiency of 10.8 ± 0.95 % for PS microplastics and 56.64 ± 0.60 % for carbendazim. Remarkably, under co-exposure conditions with both pollutants (1000 mg/L each), attaining mass reduction efficiency of 6.60 ± 0.85 % for PS microplastics and 34.70 ± 2.52 % for carbendazim respectively. After 60 days of biodegradation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (WCA), high-temperature gel chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the biodegradation of PS microplastics by Bacterium M1 under different conditions. The biodegradation of carbendazim by bacteria under different conditions was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. This study reports for the first time a novel bacterial strain capable of simultaneous degradation of both PS microplastics and carbendazim, providing a new approach to address composite organic pollution in the environment.

Small secreted peptides (SSPs), serving as signaling molecules for intercellular communication, play significant regulatory roles in plant growth, development, pathogen immunity, and responses to abiotic stress. Despite several SSPs, such as PIP, PSK, and PSY having been identified to participate in plant immunity, the majority of SSPs remain understudied, necessitating the exploration and identification of SSPs regulating plant immunity from vast genomic resources. Here we systematically characterized 756 putative SSPs across the genome of Nicotiana tabacum. 173 SSPs were further annotated as established SSPs, such as nsLTP, CAPE, and CEP. Furthermore, we detected the expression of 484 putative SSP genes in five tissues, with 83 SSPs displaying tissue-specific expression. Transcriptomic analysis of tobacco roots under plant defense hormones revealed that 46 SSPs exhibited specific responsiveness to salicylic acid (SA), and such response was antagonistically regulated by methyl jasmonate. It's worth noting that among these 46 SSPs, 16 members belong to nsLTP family, and one of them, NtLTP25, was discovered to enhance tobacco's resistance against Phytophthora nicotianae. Overexpression of NtLTP25 in tobacco enhanced the expression of ICS1, subsequently stimulating the biosynthesis of SA and the expression of NPR1 and pathogenesis-related genes. Concurrently, NtLTP25 overexpression activated genes associated with ROS scavenging, consequently mitigating the accumulation of ROS during the subsequent phases of pathogenesis. These discoveries indicate that these 46 SSPs, especially the 16 nsLTPs, might have a vital role in governing plant immunity that relies on SA signaling. This offers a valuable source for pinpointing SSPs involved in regulating plant immunity.

Graphene-based materials (GBMs) have become potential soil pollutants due to their wide applications in agricultural environments. Although physiological mechanisms of plant responses to GBMs have been previously explored, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this paper, we analysed the physiological and transcriptomic changes of buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) roots exposed to 100 mg/L graphene oxide (GO) with different diameter. GO negatively affected root growth and higher diameters of GO caused more adverse effects on the root. In total 3 724 GO-responsive genes were identified in root by transcriptome analysis. 70 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in ROS detoxification, and 37 transporter-encoding genes were found to be involved in GO response. These transporters may regulate the uptake and transport of GO in buckwheat. The gene expression of 84 transcription factors (TFs) showed a response to GO stress in the root, which may regulate the transporters and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification-related genes. Finally, the difference in the transcriptomic response of the root to the three GO materials with different diameters was investigated. 49 GO-responsive genes may be involved in the difference in the toxicity of GO with different diameters. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant roots to GBMs.

Tobacco, a warm-season crop originating from the Americas, is highly susceptible to cold stress. The utilization of symbiotic fungi as a means to bolster crops’ resilience against abiotic stresses has been proven to be a potent strategy. In this study, we investigated the effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on the cold resistance of tobacco. When exposed to cold stress, the colonization of P.indica in tobacco roots effectively stimulates the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). This, in turn, reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby mitigating oxidative damage. Additionally, P. indica elevates the levels of osmolytes, such as soluble sugars, proline, and soluble proteins, thus facilitating the restoration of osmotic balance. Under cold stress conditions, P. indica also induces the expression of cold-responsive genes. Furthermore, this fungus not only enhances photosynthesis in tobacco by stimulating the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, strengthening Rubisco activity, and elevating PSII efficiency, but also fortifies tobacco’s nitrogen assimilation by inducing the expression of nitrate transporter gene and activating enzymes related to nitrogen assimilation. Consequently, this synergistic optimization of nitrogen and carbon assimilation provides a solid material and energetic foundation for tobacco plants to withstand cold stress. Our study demonstrates that a mycorrhizal association between P. indica and tobacco seedlings provides multifaceted protection to tobacco plants against low-temperature stress and offers a valuable insight into how P. indica enhances the cold tolerance of tobacco.

Fungi play many roles in different ecosystems. The precise identification of fungi is important in different aspects. Historically, they were identified based on morphological characteristics, but technological advancements such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing now enable more accurate identification and taxonomy, and higher-level classifications. However, some species, referred to as "dark taxa", lack distinct physical features that makes their identification challenging. High-throughput sequencing and metagenomics of environmental samples provide a solution to identifying new lineages of fungi. This paper discusses different approaches to taxonomy, including PCR amplification and sequencing of rDNA, multi-loci phylogenetic analyses, and the importance of various omics (large-scale molecular) techniques for understanding fungal applications. The use of proteomics, transcriptomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and interactomics provides a comprehensive understanding of fungi. These advanced technologies are critical for expanding the knowledge of the Kingdom of Fungi, including its impact on food safety and security, edible mushrooms foodomics, fungal secondary metabolites, mycotoxin-producing fungi, and biomedical and therapeutic applications, including antifungal drugs and drug resistance, and fungal omics data for novel drug development. The paper also highlights the importance of exploring fungi from extreme environments and understudied areas to identify novel lineages in the fungal dark taxa.

[目的]探明贵州植烟土壤pH值和速效钾含量剖面分布规律,为优质烟叶生产提供科学指导.[方法]选取贵州省36个典型烟田,挖掘宽1.0 m×深1.2 m的标准剖面,依据形态特征分层并采集各层土样,测定土壤pH值和速效钾含量,分析剖面变化模式及其影响因素.[结果]贵州植烟土壤pH值介于6.29～6.60,变异系数介于14.30％～15.33％(中度变异).剖面分布模式分为递增型、递减型、先增后减型、先减后增型和均一型5种,以递增型为主,占比53.13％.速效钾含量介于133.02～314.03 mg/kg,变异系数介于29.74％～68.18％(中度变异).剖面分布模式分为递减型、先增后减型、先减后增型和不规则型4种,以递减型为主,占比59.38％.pH值和速效钾剖面分布模式均受复合环境要素的影响.[结论]根据植烟土壤pH值和速效钾主要剖面分布模式及可能形成原因,在施肥和土壤保育上需结合植烟土壤实际情况有针对性的采取措施.

Rebuilding soil healthy microbiota is very important for preventing bacterial wilt. A 3-year-long field trial was conducted in China as follows: T1 (conventional fertilization), T2 (T1 + liming), T3 (T1 + bioorganic fertilizer), and T4 (T2 + bioorganic fertilizer). Fluorescence quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing were employed to study the dynamics of Ralstonia solanacearum population, microbial community, and network organizations between bacteria and quality-related variables. After 3 years of bioremediation, the control efficacy of tobacco bacterial wilt reached 61.30% and the occurrence delayed by approximately 40 days in T4, which had the highest tobacco yield and output value. The pathogen population of T4 remained below 10 6 copies/g soil during the entire growth period. Role-shifts prevailed among the network members. Microbes were unipathically associated with variables in T1 but multiplex in T4. In conclusion, soil bioremediation rebuilds a healthy soil microbiota and forms a more interactive and relevant micro-system, thus effectively controlling tobacco bacterial wilt. Key points • This is the first time to effectively bio-control tobacco bacterial wilt in practical production in China, as well as to high-efficiently use the organic waste, thus promoting the organic cycling of the environment. • Soil bioremediation can effectively control soil-borne disease by rebuilding soil healthy microbiota and reducing abundance of pathogenic bacteria, thereby to prevent the soil borne disease occurrence. • After the soil remediated, microbes associated with soil and tobacco characteristics changed from unipathical to multiplex, and the keystone species play different roles compared with the original soil, thus signifying the complexity of multi-species interactions and achieving a closely relevant micro-system, which was ecologically meaningful to the environment.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is an important pseudocereal crop with excellent edible, nutritional and medicinal values. However, the yield of Tartary buckwheat (TB) is very low due to old-fashioned cultivation techniques, particularly unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizer. To improve the understanding on the theories of nitrogen use in TB, the effects of nitrogen application on growth, as well as chemical properties and microbial community of rhizosphere soil were investigated in this study. Nitrogen application could promote the plant height, stem diameter, nitrogen accumulation and yield of TB. The relative abundance and diversity of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere soil of TB were improved by nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen application increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lysobacter and Sphingomonas in rhizosphere soil, and decreased the abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium and Plectosphaerella. The results indicated that nitrogen application changed the distribution of microbial communities in TB rhizosphere soil. Furthermore, the specific enriched or depleted microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil of four TB varieties were analyzed at OTU level. 87 specific nitrogen-responsive genes with sequence variation were identified in four varieties by integrating genomic re-sequencing and transcriptome analysis, and these genes may involve in the recruitment of specific rhizosphere microorganisms in different TB varieties. This study provided new insights into the effects of nitrogen application on TB growth and rhizosphere microbial community, and improved the understanding on the mechanisms of TB root-microbe interactions.

Chinese baijiu, an ancient fermented alcoholic beverage, contains ethanol and a variety of compounds. One of the most popular types of Chinese baijiu is Jiang-flavor baijiu. To investigate the effects of Jiang-flavor baijiu on organ function and gut microbiota, we developed a moderate drinking mouse model and studied its effects on the liver, kidney biomarkers, memory function, and gut microbiota. The results showed that ethanol caused more hepatic steatosis, liver and kidney damage, and memory impairment than Jiang-flavour baijiu consumption. Furthermore, Jiang-flavor baijiu altered the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, whereas ethanol increased the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Prevotella and Mucispirillum. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that moderate dose Jiang-flavor baijiu regulates gut microbiota and organ function and provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the positive health effects of particular varieties of Chinese baijiu.