Tree type-specific endophytic bacterial assembly and function in senescing leaves and needles in temperate forests of Central Europe
Ji Li·Witoon Purahong·Simon Andreas Schroeter·Shakhawat Hossen·Matthias Noll·Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan·Benjawan Tanunchai
Abstract Background Leaves and needles are pivotal plant tissues in regulating carbon input, nutrient uptake, and biogeochemical cycling within ecosystems. However, the ecological strategy of broadleaved and coniferous tree species affecting the endophytic colonization of leaf/needle for enabling a nutrient release of subsequent litter is not fully known. The bacterial community assembly, functions, and interactions (summarized as attributes) inhabiting senescing leaves and needles in eleven com