Effect of OsrHSA Transgenic Rice on Functional Diversity of Microbial Communities in the Rhizosphere

With the widespread cultivation of transgenic crops, concern is increasing regarding unintended effects of these crops on the soil. In the current study, Zhixing Wang and Xujing Wang from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, evaluate the possible effects of OsrHSA transgenic rice on soil microbes in its rhizosphere.

Researchers found no significant differences in characteristics and diversity of microbial communities between rhizospheres of soils planted with OsrHSA transgenic rice and its non-transgenic counterpart. The types, capacities and patterns of carbon source utilization by microbial communities were similar throughout the study. No OsrHSA proteins were also detected in the roots of OsrHSA transgenic rice.

OsrHSA transgenic rice and the rHSA protein it produces had no effect on the functional diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere.

Read the full article here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214514115000112