Effects of microbial cultures on bacterial communities in the roots of Phyllostachys edulis

Aims This study investigated the effects of applying endophytic bacterial cultures isolated from Phyllostachys edulis on the bacterial communities in the bamboo root system and rhizosphere, as well as soil chemical properties. Methods A mixed culture of four bacteria was applied to experimental plots. Seven root samples were collected from growing bamboo shoots: those treated with the bacterial culture at months 0, 3, and 6, untreated ones at the same times.Seven rhizosphere soil samples were collected from growing bamboo shoots: treated ones at months 0, 3, and 6; untreated ones at the same times.These samples were used to assess changes in root endophyte and rhizosphere bacterial communities, as well as in rhizosphere soil available nutrients and chemical properties. Results Our results showed that the richness of endophytic bacteria in bamboo rhizomes increased with the application time of microbial cultures. The relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly affected by the application of the microbial cultures. Furthermore, over time, the relative abundance of endophytic bacteria in the culture-treated rhizomes at the genus level gradually converged with that in the high-yield forest. Venn diagram analysis further confirmed the influence of the microbial cultures on bacterial community composition. Principal component analysis showed that culture-treated samples were closer to samples from the high-yield forest than untreated samples. Conclusions Microbial cultures positively impacted the bacterial communities in P. edulis ' rhizome roots and rhizosphere soil. Artificially manipulating the bacterial community in P. edulis forest soils via microbial cultures could be feasible, provided beneficial strains are carefully selected.