Trophic network architecture of root-associated bacterial communities determines pathogen invasion and plant health

Host-associated bacterial communities can function as an important line of defence against pathogens in animals and plants. Empirical evidence and theoretical predictions suggest that species-rich communities are more resistant to pathogen invasions. Yet, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we experimentally test how the underlying resource competition networks of resident bacterial communities affect invasion resistance to the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in microcosms and in tomato plant rhizosphere. We find that bipartite resource competition networks are better predictors of invasion resistance compared with resident community diversity. Specifically, communities with a combination of…

• IC
  Imperial College London
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 41471213, B12009, 41301262
• GO
  Government of Jiangsu Province
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province

  Award: BK20130677
• PA
  Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions

  Award: B12009
• QP
  Qinglan Project of Jiangsu Province of China
• HE
  Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project

  Award: B12009