Time outweighs the effect of host developmental stage on microbial community composition

ABSTRACT Thousands of microbial taxa in the soil form symbioses with host plants, and due to their contribution plant performance, these microbes are often considered an extension genome. Given effects on it is important understand factors that govern community assembly. Host developmental stage could affect rhizosphere diversity while, alternatively, assemblages change simply as a consequence time opportunity for succession. Previous studies suggest shift across stages, but since germination confounded stage. We asked how elapsed potential succession relative development affected using monogenic flowering-time mutants Arabidopsis thaliana. Under our experimental design, different stages were present among genotypes after same amount following germination, e.g. at 76 days some flowering while others fruiting or senescing. found was strong predictor whereas there few differences stages. Our results support idea and, likely, more strongly assembly than