Rhizospheric microbial community of robusta coffee in Vietnam
This study investigated the rhizospheric microbiome of robusta coffee across three major cultivation areas in Vietnam, Dak Nong, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai, to assess its role in controlling Fusarium infection. Metagenomic analysis revealed no significant differences in bacterial communities between healthy and diseased soils, while fungal communities showed clear distinctions, particularly during the Basic Construction Stage (BCS, 2 years). Fungal diversity differences diminished in the Business Stage (BS, 2 years) and varied with plant age (from 2 up to 10 years). Healthy samples were enriched with beneficial fungi (growth-promoting and biocontrolling), whereas diseased samples contained more potential phytopathogenic genera. Fusarium was prevalent in all regions, with higher abundance in diseased soils, while Trichoderma, a key biocontrol agent, was more abundant in healthy soil, but reduced with plant age. These findings highlight the pivotal role of rhizospheric fungi in managing Fusarium wilt and suggest promising candidates for biocontrol in robusta coffee cultivation.