Effects of Microbial Communities on Elevational Gradient Adaptation Strategies of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. and Pinus densata Mast. in a Mixed Zone

Pinus densata Mast. is considered a homoploid hybrid species that originated from the putative parent tabuliformis Carr. and yunnanensis Franch., but mechanism of adaptive differentiation P. its parents in native habitats has not been reported. Therefore, overlapping distribution areas between heart Hengduan Mountains were chosen. The hybrids their with respect to elevational gradient was studied based on morphological features different strategies recruiting endophytic microbial communities rhizosphere soil. results showed (1) height diameter at breast greatest 2600 m 2900 m, 2700 three-needle pines (P. yunnanensis-like type) transitioned into two-needle densata-like type). (2) recruitment driven by C, N, P pH values which significant elevation features. (3) There difference endophytes type type. mainly reduced Mucoromycota (fungi) increased Proteobacteria (bacteria), may be related environmental adaptability, quorum sensing metabolism auxiliary factors vitamins high elevations. (4) root microbiome enriched rare groups soil pool. this study provide new insights ideas for adaptability speciation.