Characterization of the microbial community associated with the roots of joyapa (Macleania rupestris) and the effect of fungal isolates on seedling development

Macleania rupestris is a native Ericaceae with high potential benefits for health and the environment. Characterizing the interactions between M. rupestris and associated fungi is vital to supporting the plant's conservation and future domestication. However, little is known about the relationship between plant growth-promoting endophytes and M. rupestris. To learn more about the soil-associated microbiota of M. rupestris, we analyzed endophyte communities associated with the plant's rhizosphere and surrounding soil using nanopore sequencing. Additionally, fungal endophyte cultivable strains were isolated from the roots of M. rupestris to evaluate their growth-promoting activity on seedlings by applying a strain inoculation bioassay. Over 1000 genera were identified using nanopore sequencing, Bradyrhizobium and Mesorhizobium the most abundant in all samples analyzed. Similarly, six cultivable fungi were characterized by the molecular markers ITS (internal transcribed spacer) and LSU (large subunit). Amongst all isolates, Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma paravidescens positively impacted seedlings' development. This study shows the potential of fungal strains as inoculants for the potential domestication of Macleania rupestris. Keywords: Endophyte, growth promoter, Macleania rupestris, microbial communities