Alpine ecosystems, as one of the most representative terrestrial ecosystems, have garnered significant attention due to their susceptibility to human activities and climate change. However, the distribution patterns and driving factors of alpine soil bacterial communities remain to be further explored, especially for different dominant phyla. This study investigated the soil bacterial community composition, elevational patterns, and relationships between bacterial diversity and environmental factors at four elevation gradients (2406–3204 m) on Mt. Taibai, Qinling Mountains, China, using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi, accounting for over 69% of the bacterial sequences in soil samples. Dominant bacterial communities exhibit distinct elevation gradient patterns in diversity and community structure. The α-diversity of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi decreases with increasing elevation, whereas that of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria increases. Moreover, the community structure of Actinobacteria shows greater variation across elevations than the other three dominant bacterial groups, with significant differences observed among elevations. Redundancy analysis and distance decay analysis revealed that elevation was significantly correlated with the soil bacterial community structure (p < 0.01). Different dominant bacterial communities were regulated by distinct environmental factors, providing strong evidence for understanding microbial community assembly. Therefore, the α- and β-diversity of soil bacteria on Mt. Taibai exhibit distinct elevational variations, and elevation-driven plant diversity and pH may be key factors shaping the spatial distribution of soil bacteria.

Verticillium wilt, caused primarily by Verticillium dahliae and, in some hosts, V. albo-atrum, causes substantial yield losses in solanaceous crops. The disease is characterized by colonization of the vascular system, which can impair water transport and plant growth. Effective resistance therefore requires restricting vascular colonization while preserving vascular function and plant performance. Although considerable progress has been made in identifying resistance genes and defense responses, the molecular and physiological basis of Verticillium wilt resistance varies widely, and remains incompletely understood across solanaceous crops. Here, we summarize current knowledge of Verticillium wilt resistance in tomato, eggplant, potato, and pepper, focusing on vascular defense, immune signaling, lignification, and major resistance genes, loci, and quantitative genetic factors. We also discuss grafting-mediated resistance, highlighting resistant rootstocks and genetic resources, physiological and rhizosphere mechanisms of rootstock-mediated protection, and the potential roles of mobile signals in rootstock–scion communication. Furthermore, we examine the potential role of lignin remodeling as an interface between vascular defense and plant performance, while distinguishing disease-associated growth losses from potential defense-associated costs. We propose an integrative framework for evaluating resistance through pathogen restriction, vascular function, and agronomic performance, emphasizing that the relationships among these processes require further experimental validation. Finally, we outline future research priorities, including the identification and functional validation of resistance genes, quantitative assessment of vascular defense and its potential growth costs, and investigation of the causal contributions of grafting-associated signals and rhizosphere microbiomes. This review provides a framework for understanding Verticillium wilt resistance across solanaceous crops and highlights research priorities for developing durable resistance while maintaining crop productivity and quality.