Temporal and Spatial Changes in Phyllosphere Microbiome of Acacia Trees Growing in Arid Environments

Background: The evolutionary relationships between plants and their microbiomes are of high importance to the survival in general even more extreme conditions. Changes plant's microbiome can affect plant development, growth, fitness, health. Along arid Arava, southern Israel, acacia trees ( Acacia raddiana tortilis ) considered keystone species. In this study, we investigated ecological effects species, microclimate, phenology, seasonality on epiphytic endophytic trees. One hundred thirty-nine leaf samples were collected throughout sampling year assessed using 16S rDNA gene amplified with five different primers (targeting regions) sequenced (150 bp paired-end) an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. Results: Epiphytic bacterial diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Chao1, Simpson, observed number operational taxonomic units) found be nearly double compared endophyte counterparts. Epiphyte communities significantly from each other terms composition microbial associations. Interestingly, was similar two but canopy sides sample months exhibited diversity, whereas species year. Abiotic factors, such as air temperature precipitation, shown both epiphyte endophytes communities. Bacterial community compositions showed that Firmicutes dominate A. , Proteobacteria ; these consisted only a small families, mainly Bacillaceae Comamonadaceae for respectively, Geodematophilaceae Micrococcaceae communities, respectively. ~60% obtained classifications unclassified below family level (i.e., “new”). Conclusions: These results shed light unique desert phyllosphere highlighting multiple genotypic abiotic factors shaping This study also shows few families climate change (precipitation, temperature, humidity) affecting land ecosystems where