Microbiome‐mediated alleviation of tobacco replant problem via autotoxin degradation after long‐term continuous cropping

Abstract

Continuous cropping often results in severe "replant problem," across various crops due to the autotoxins accumulation, soil acidification, pathogens proliferation, and microbial dysfunction. We unveiled a groundbreaking phenomenon that long-term continuous cropping (LTCC) can alleviate the tobacco replant problem. This mitigation occurs through the enrichment of autotoxin-degrading microbes, and the transformative impact is evident with even a modest application (10%) of LTCC soil to short-term continuous cropping (STCC) soil. Our investigation has pinpointed specific autotoxin-degrading bacteria, particularly the <i>Pseudomonas</i> and <i>Burkholderia</i> species, which exhibit the capacity to alleviate the tobacco replant problem in STCC soil. Their autotoxin-degrading mechanism using axenic culture and soil samples was also conducted via comprehensive analyses of microbiome and transcriptome approach. This research sheds light on the potential of LTCC as a strategic approach for sustainable agriculture, addressing replant problems and promoting the health of cropping systems. UV, ultraviolet; OD, optical density.