Functional Roles of the Seagrass (Zostera marina) Holobiont Change with Plant Development

Seagrass meadows play a critical role in biogeochemical cycling, especially in nitrogen and sulphur processes, driven by their associated microbiome. This study provides a novel functional analysis of microbial communities in seagrass (<i>Zostera marina</i>) rhizosphere and endosphere, comparing seedlings and mature plants. While nitrogen-fixing bacteria are more abundant in seedlings, mature plants exhibit greater microbial diversity and stability. Sediment samples show higher microbial diversity than roots, suggesting distinct niche environments in seagrass roots. Key microbial taxa (sulphur-oxidizing and nitrogen-cycling bacteria) were observed across developmental stages, with rapid establishment in seedlings aiding survival in sulphide-rich, anoxic sediments. Chromatiales, which oxidize sulphur, are hypothesized to support juvenile plant growth by mitigating sulphide toxicity, a key stressor in early development. Additionally, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), though potentially harmful due to H₂S production, may also aid in nitrogen fixation by producing ammonium. The study underscores the dynamic relationship between seagrass and its microbiome, especially the differences in microbial community structure and function between juvenile and mature plants. The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of microbial roles within the seagrass holobiont to aid with Blue Carbon stores and to improve restoration success, particularly for juvenile plants struggling to establish effective microbiomes.