Influence of transgenic ath-miR399d tomato lines on microbial community and diversity in rhizosphere soil

AbstractTransgenic ath-miR399d tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Zhongshu No. 4) have enhanced phosphorus (P) uptake and accumulation in shoots, and have the potential to improve P-use efficiency in agricultural soils. However, the effects of transgenic ath-miR399d tomatoes on soil microbial community and diversity are poorly understood. Soil carbon source utilization patterns and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles were evaluated after a 35-d cultivation of transgenic tomato lines C1 and C2 and wild-type tomato at 0, 150 and 300 mg phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) kg−1 soil. Microbial diversity indices deduced from carbon source utilization patterns were significantly decreased after cultivating transgenic tomato lines compared to wild-type tomato. So were the average well color development (AWCD) for general carbon sources, carbohydrates and amino acids. The AWCD for general carbon sources was increased with P levels, while the microbial diversity indices did not differ significantly among three P lev...