Different Endophytes Colonized in Various Lotus Root Varieties and Their Associated Mealy and Crunchy Properties

Lotus root texture significantly influences consumer preferences and market value, yet the role of endophytes in determining the distinct mealy (ML) and crunchy (CL) textural properties remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between endophyte composition and metabolic characteristics underlying the texture differences between ML and CL lotus root varieties. Two lotus root varieties (ML and CL) were analyzed for endophytic microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing methods. Metabolite profiling of cellulose, starch, pectin, soluble sugars, and proteins was conducted using standard biochemical assays. The findings revealed higher cellulose, starch, and pectin content in mealy lotus root (ML) varieties than those in crunchy lotus root (CL) varieties. Additionally, the functions of cellulose-degrading and protein-producing microorganisms, such as Firmicutes, Bacteroides, <i>Exiguobacterium</i>, <i>Bradyrhizobium</i>, and <i>Basidiomycota,</i> were primarily enriched in the ML varieties. In contrast, the CL varieties had specific dominant endophytic bacterial genera, such as <i>Myxococcota</i>, <i>Geobacter</i>, <i>Paludibacteraceae</i>, <i>Rhodocyclaceae</i>, <i>Comamonadaceae</i>, <i>Micromonosporaceae</i>, <i>Sideroxydans</i>, <i>Bacillus</i>, <i>Lactococcus</i>, <i>Oxalobacteraceae</i>, and <i>Treponema</i>. These results indicate that different endophytes are associated with the development of mealy and crunchy properties. Understanding these microbial-metabolic relationships offers practical implications for selective breeding and agricultural management aimed at texture improvement. Future research should elucidate the specific metabolic pathways regulated by these endophytes to facilitate targeted agricultural interventions.