Analysis of the Differences in Rhizosphere Microbial Communities and Pathogen Adaptability in Chili Root Rot Disease Between Continuous Cropping and Rotation Cropping Systems

Author: mycolabadmin
8/1/2025
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Summary

This study shows that rotating chili crops with cotton significantly improves soil health and reduces chili root rot disease compared to continuous chili cultivation. By changing crops, beneficial bacteria like Bacillus increase while disease-causing fungi like Fusarium decrease in the soil. The research identifies the main pathogens causing chili root rot and their growth preferences, providing farmers with a scientific basis for using crop rotation as a natural, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Background

Continuous chili cropping in Xinjiang leads to soil-borne diseases, particularly root rot, which significantly compromises crop yield and soil health. Crop rotation has been shown to enhance soil microbial environments and reduce disease incidence, but its specific effects on rhizosphere microbial community diversity remain unclear. This study examines how different cropping systems affect microbial composition and pathogen adaptability in chili root rot disease.

Objective

To analyze and compare the composition and characteristics of rhizosphere soil microbial communities under continuous chili cropping versus chili-cotton rotation cropping systems using high-throughput sequencing technology. The study aims to identify key microbial taxa involved in disease suppression and understand pathogen biological characteristics.

Results

Crop rotation significantly altered soil microbial community structure, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bacillus, RB41, and Lactobacillus while reducing pathogenic fungi including Alternaria and Fusarium. Fusarium solani MG6 and F. oxysporum LG2 were identified as primary chili root rot pathogens with optimal growth at 25°C and pH 6. The two Fusarium strains showed distinct differences in carbon and nitrogen source utilization spectra.

Conclusion

Crop rotation enhances soil health and reduces root rot incidence by restructuring soil microbial communities, enriching beneficial bacteria, and suppressing pathogens. These findings provide scientific basis for microbial-based soil management strategies in chili cultivation and support the development of green, sustainable disease control methods.

Published in:Microorganisms,
Study Type:Observational Study,
Source: PMID: 40871310, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13081806