16s rRNA gene sequencing: leaf surfaces of lettuce
Leaf samples from aquaponically -grown healthy lettuce plants were collected from Bacillus- treated and control systems at 30 days after planting. Leaves without visible disease symptoms or physical damage were collected. In order to get a more complete representation of the bacterial communities residing on lettuce leaf surfaces in nature, no surface sterilization or prewashing of leaves was done. Two leaf samples were cut using sterile scissors from each lettuce plant and six plants in each experimental unit were considered (a total of 12 leaf samples from each experimental unit)