The complexity of the rice rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial network is enhanced by drought stress
Abstract
The rice rhizosphere and endosphere represent critical microbial habitats influencing plant health and productivity. This study investigates how drought stress alters the bacterial communities within these environments, focusing on their complexity and functional dynamics. Using high-throughput sequencing and network analysis, we examined bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and endosphere of rice plants under normal and drought conditions. Our findings reveal that drought stress significantly increases the complexity of bacterial networks in both compartments, characterized by enhanced network connectivity, diversity, and stability. These changes are accompanied by shifts in microbial composition and functional potential, suggesting that drought stress imposes selective pressures that reshape microbial interactions and functionality. Our study underscores the intricate relationship between environmental stressors and microbial communities, providing insights into how drought alters plant-associated bacterial networks and highlighting potential strategies for improving drought resilience in rice cultivation.