Oilseed rape is sensitive to soil phosphorus deficiencies. In contrast, white lupin is widely used as a model plant because it has efficient phosphorus utilization. Therefore, soil fertility and microbial composition in the rhizospheres of oilseed rapes and root exudate metabolites were compared under monocropping and intercropping systems. The main purpose was to explore whether the phosphorus absorption of rapeseed can be promoted by intercropping with white lupine. In comparison with oilseed rape monoculture (RR), the results showed that the contents of soil-available phosphorus, microbial biomass and phosphorus in the rhizospheres of oilseed rapes in the intercropping system (RL) were all higher than those of RR. Meanwhile, in comparison with RR, not only phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, such as Streptomyces, Actinomadura and Bacillus, but also phosphorus-solubilizing fungi, such as Chaetomium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, were enriched in the rhizospheres of the oilseed rape under the RL system. Moreover, more abundant soil bacterial functions, organic acids and metabolites were also detected in root exudates of the oilseed rapes under the RL system. All of the above results suggest that soil phosphorus availability in the rhizospheres of oilseed rape could be improved by intercropping with white lupin. Additionally, soil phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms, that are enriched in the rhizospheres of oilseed rapes under RL systems, have an important function in the improvement of phosphorus absorption of rapeseed by intercropping with white lupin.

This study analyzed flower bud differentiation and fruiting stages to investigate how the structure of the plant endophytic microbial community in the roots of tomatoes changes with plant senescence. Based on high-throughput sequencing technology, the diversity and relative abundance of endophytic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in tomato stems at different growth stages were analyzed. At the same time, based on LEfSe analysis, the differences in endophytic microorganisms in tomato stems at different growth stages were studied. Based on PICRUSt2 function prediction and FUNGuild, we predicted the functions of endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in tomato stems at different growth stages to explore potential microbial functional traits. The results demonstrated that not only different unique bacterial genera but also unique fungal genera could be found colonizing tomato roots at different growth stages. In tomato seedlings, flower bud differentiation, and fruiting stages, the functions of colonizing endophytes in tomato roots could primarily contribute to the promotion of plant growth, stress resistance, and improvement in nutrient cycling, respectively. These results also suggest that different functional endophytes colonize tomato roots at different growth stages.

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, Exiguobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, and Basidiomycota, were primarily enriched in the ML varieties. In contrast, the CL varieties had specific dominant endophytic bacterial genera, such as Myxococcota, Geobacter, Paludibacteraceae, Rhodocyclaceae, Comamonadaceae, Micromonosporaceae, Sideroxydans, Bacillus, Lactococcus, Oxalobacteraceae, and Treponema. 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.