Application of a microbial consortium improves the growth of Camellia sinensis and influences the indigenous rhizosphere bacterial communities.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate the role of a microbial consortium in influencing of Camellia sinensis growth and rhizosphere bacteria microbial community structure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on glasshouse trials, the microbial consortium TCM was selected for a field trial. TCM significantly increased bud density (67·53%), leaf area (31·15%) and hundred-bud weight (22·5%) compared with the control treatment (P < 0·01) during 180 days. Furthermore, TCM-treated soil showed a significant increase (P < 0·05) in organic matter (60·89%), total nitrogen (66·22%), total phosphorus (3·34%), available phosphorus (3·82%), available potassium (9·24%) and 2-3 mm water-stable aggregates (77·93%). Molecular ecological network analysis of the rhizobacteria indicated an increase in modularity and the number of community, connection and nodes after TCM application. Several plant growth-promoting bacteria were categorized as hubs or indicators, such as Haliangium, Catenulispora and Gemmatimonas, and showed intensive connections with other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The TCM consortium enhances the effectiveness of soil mineral nutrition, influences the indigenous rhizobacterial community, alters the rhizobacterial network structure in the rhizosphere and promotes the growth of C. sinensis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The TCM growth-promoting mechanism was closely related to rhizosphere bacterial diversity; therefore, strengthening rhizobacterial interactions may help promote C. sinensis growth, which could be a sustainable approach for improving C. sinensis growth and health in tea plantations.