Metagenomics reveals the microbiome multifunctionalities of environmental importance from termite mound soils

Abstract

The ecological deterioration caused by the continuous and excessive use of synthetic inputs in agriculture has prompted the searchfor environmentally favorable resources for crop production. Many have advocated for the use of soils from termite mounds to improve soil andplant health; therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the microbiome multifunctionalities that are important for plant health andgrowth in termite mound soil. The metagenomics of soil from termite mounds revealed taxonomic groups with functional potentials associated withpromoting the growth and health of plants in nutrient-poor, virtually dry environments. Analysis of microorganisms revealed that Proteobacteriadominated the soil of termite colonies, while Actinobacteria ranked second. The predominance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, the well-known antibiotic-producing populations, indicates that the termite mound soil microbiome possesses metabolic resistance to biotic stresses.Functions recognized for diverse proteins and genes unveiled that a multi-functional microbiome carry out numerous metabolic functions includ-ing virulence, disease, defense, aromatic compound and iron metabolism, secondary metabolite synthesis, and stress response. The abundanceof genes in termite mound soils associated with these prominent functions could unquestionably validate the enhancement of plants in abioticand biotically stressed environments. This study reveals opportunities to revisit the multifunctionalities of termite mound soils in order to establisha connection between taxonomic diversity, targeted functions, and genes that could improve plant yield and health in unfavorable soil conditions.