Differences in autotoxic substances and microbial community in the root space of <i>Panax notoginseng</i> coinducing the occurrence of root rot

The composition and stability of the microbial community structure of roots and root zone soils play a key role in the healthy growth of plants. We examined the distribution characteristics of phenolic acids and saponins, as well as microbial communities in the root space (root endosphere, rhizoplane soil, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil) of healthy and root rot disease-affected <i>Panax notoginseng</i>. The results showed that after infection with root rot, the rhizoplane soil exhibited significant decreases in organic matter and hydrolyzable nitrogen and significant increases in available phosphorus, available potassium, and total nitrogen. The contents of phenolic acids (except benzoic acid) and ginsenoside Rg2 in the root endosphere significantly increased. Ferulic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in the rhizoplane soil significantly increased. <i>Rhodococcus</i> increased significantly in the root endosphere, rhizoplane, and rhizosphere soil; <i>Nitrospira</i> decreased significantly in the rhizoplane, rhizosphere, and bulk soil; and <i>Plectosphaerella</i> decreased significantly in the root endosphere and rhizoplane soil. Moreover, the accumulation of most autotoxins can promote the growth of pathogens. In summary, the spatial autotoxic substances and microbial community differences in <i>P. notoginseng</i> roots jointly induce the occurrence of root rot.IMPORTANCE<i>Panax notoginseng</i> is highly susceptible to soil-borne diseases induced during planting, and root rot, which usually occurs in the root and stem parts of the plant, is the most severe. We divided the root environment of <i>P. notoginseng</i> into four parts (root endosphere, rhizoplane soil, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil) and studied it with unplanted soil as the control. In this study, we examined the changes in the content of autotoxic substances in the root space of <i>P. notoginseng</i>, along with the interplay between these substances and microorganisms. This study revealed the mechanism underlying root rot and provided a theoretical basis for alleviating continuous cropping obstacles in <i>P. notoginseng</i>.