The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen cost minimization are prevailing symbiotic traits of below-ground seagrass endophytes
ID:1199 Oral Presentation

2027-01-13 09:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 37 - Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity Synergies in Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Abstract
Seagrass meadows are vulnerable blue-carbon ecosystems experiencing global decline. Harnessing endophytic microbes for seagrass conservation requires a mechanistic understanding of host-microbe interactions, which remains largely unresolved. In this study, we aimed to reveal the symbiotic traits of endophytes in the below-ground tissues of seagrass Halophila ovalis, which is widely distributed throughout tropical and temperate regions, from the intertidal zone to deep clear water. To achieve this, we integrated year-round field sampling, multi-omics, bioimaging, rate measurements, and biochemical analyses. Overall, this study identified specific functional traits that facilitate the predominance and adaptation of seagrass endophytes. Our findings corroborate below-ground seagrass tissues as hotspots for diverse nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and demonstrate that evolutionary mechanisms, such as genomic nitrogen cost minimization, horizontal gene transfer, and purifying selection, are critical drivers of endophyte adaptation to below-ground seagrass tissues.
 
Speaker
Jiawei Chen Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Author
Jiawei CHEN Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027