Comparative metagenomic profiling of rhizosphere microbial communities in drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive rice under water deficit conditions
Drought stress is one of the most critical environmental factors limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that the rhizosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to abiotic stress, including drought. However, the extent to which rhizosphere microbial communities contribute to drought tolerance in different rice genotypes remains insufficiently understood.  In this study, we conducted a metagenomic analysis of rhizosphere soil samples collected from multiple rice varieties exhibiting contrasting drought tolerance under well-watered and drought stress conditions. High-throughput shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed to characterize the taxonomic composition and functional potential of the microbial communities.  Comparative analyses were carried out to identify key microbial taxa and functional genes associated with drought tolerance. Special attention was given to microbial pathways related to stress response, osmotic regulation, phytohormone production, and nutrient cycling.  This study aims to elucidate the genotype-dependent assembly and functional dynamics of rhizosphere microbiomes under drought stress. The results will provide insights into plant–microbe interactions and contribute to the development of microbiome-assisted strategies for improving drought tolerance in rice.
Drought stress is one of the most critical environmental factors limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that the rhizosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to abiotic stress, including drought. However, the extent to which rhizosphere microbial communities contribute to drought tolerance in different rice genotypes remains insufficiently understood.  In this study, we conducted a metagenomic analysis of rhizosphere soil samples collected from multiple rice varieties exhibiting contrasting drought tolerance under well-watered and drought stress conditions. High-throughput shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed to characterize the taxonomic composition and functional potential of the microbial communities.  Comparative analyses were carried out to identify key microbial taxa and functional genes associated with drought tolerance. Special attention was given to microbial pathways related to stress response, osmotic regulation, phytohormone production, and nutrient cycling.  This study aims to elucidate the genotype-dependent assembly and functional dynamics of rhizosphere microbiomes under drought stress. The results will provide insights into plant–microbe interactions and contribute to the development of microbiome-assisted strategies for improving drought tolerance in rice.