Seagrass microbiome
Seagrass meadows, particularly Zostera marina, play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and coastal protection. Recent research, however, suggests that many of these services may be attributed to the seagrass holobiont—the dynamic relationship between seagrass and its associated microorganisms. This study investigates the microbial communities associated with Z. marina across different life stages and environmental conditions. Samples from natural and restoration seagrass sites in Milford Haven, South Wales, were analyzed for microbial diversity in plant roots, rhizomes, and surrounding sediments using high-throughput DNA sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. The study identified over 200 microbial taxa, with significant differences between root and sediment communities. Microbial taxa involved in sulfur cycling, nutrient uptake, and organic matter degradation were prominent, with plant age and structure influencing community composition. Juvenile plants exhibited higher nitrogen-fixing bacteria, while adult plants showed increased cellulose-degrading taxa. These findings highlight the importance of microbial interactions in seagrass ecosystems and suggest potential avenues for improving seagrass restoration through microbiome management.