The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Plant phylogeny drives viral diversity and ecological functions in mangrove rhizospheres
ID:1468 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:15 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 26 - Blue Ecosystems in Transition: From Microbes to Seascapes and Global Impact

Abstract
Mangrove wetlands served as critical blue carbon ecosystems widely distributed across tropical and subtropical coastal zones, where their well-developed root systems provide unique habitats acting as hotspots for microbial activity. While viruses are gradually recognized as essential regulators of soil microbial dynamics and biogeochemical cycling, their diversity and ecological roles within the rhizosphere remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a systematic analysis of viral communities associated with seven mangrove species through quarterly sampling over one year. In total, we identified 791 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs), of which only 25 could be classified at the family level, revealing a vast reservoir of previously uncharacterized viral taxa in mangrove rhizospheres. Functional annotation uncovered 298 auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) involved in biogeochemical cycling, spanning carbon metabolism, sulfur metabolism, phosphorus acquisition, and vitamin biosynthesis. Furthermore, the widespread co-occurrence of host defense systems alongside corresponding viral counter-defense systems suggests an ongoing coevolutionary arms race between hosts and viruses. Notably, rhizosphere viral communities exhibited temporal stability across seasons but showed significant divergence among mangrove species, providing the first evidence of phylosymbiosis between plants and their rhizosphere viral communities. These findings highlight the intimate connection between plant phylogeny and rhizosphere viral ecology, deepening our understanding of plant-microbe-virus interactions and their contributions to coastal wetland ecosystem functioning.
Speaker
Qi Li East China Normal University

Author
Qi Li East China Normal University

    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