High-throughput sequencing reveals endophytic bacterial differentiation of common truffles ( <i>Tuber</i> spp.) in China: diversity, biogeographical patterns, and fungal health implications

This study underscores the critical importance of truffle endophytic bacteria in mediating fungal health and ecological resilience, addressing a major knowledge gap in hypogeous fungal microbiome research. By integrating high-throughput sequencing across 10 <i>Tuber</i> species in China, we reveal how bacterial communities (dominated by <i>Bradyrhizobium</i>) shape biogeographical patterns and functional roles like nitrogen fixation. These findings advance understanding of microbe-fungal symbioses, with direct applications for sustainable truffle cultivation (e.g., microbial inoculants) and climate-resilient management-aligning perfectly with AEM's focus on applied microbial ecology and biotechnological relevance.