Differential microbial assemblages associated with shikonin-producing Borage species in two distinct soil types

Abstract Shikonin and its derivatives are the main components of traditional Chinese medicine, Zicao. The pharmacological potential shikonin have been extensively studied. Yet, less is known about microbial assemblages associated with producing Borage plants. We studied profiles two species, Echium plantagineum (EP) Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE), to identify dynamics colonization pattern within three rhizo-compatments distinct soil types. Results α β-diversity via PacBio sequencing revealed significantly higher richness diversity in natural along a decreasing gradient across rhizosphere endosphere. Our results displayed genotype type–dependent fine-tuning profiles. host plant was found exert effects on physical chemical properties soil, resulting reproducibly different micro-biota . Analysis differentially abundant OTUs Planctomycetes Bacteroidetes be specifically enriched EP LE while endosphere mostly prevailed by Cyanobacteria Network analysis unfold co-existing species types positive negative interactions communities. data provided here will help microbes rhizo-compartments In future, this might helpful for manipulating keystone ecosystem functioning.