Differences in Soil Bacterial Communities between Invaded and Non-invaded Areas in Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Habitats in Korean Forests

Abstract

Plants can alter their habitat soil's biotic and abiotic properties, leading to plant-soil feedback that can enhance the competitive ability of invasive species. This study investigated such feedback in the invasive plant species garlic mustard in Korea. Known to significantly impact forest ecosystems and change soil properties, garlic mustard's effects on soil microbial communities have been understudied in Korea. We compared soil bacterial communities in invaded and non-invaded areas in Samcheok, using Nanopore sequencing for species-level analysis. The results revealed significant differences in soil bacterial communities due to garlic mustard invasion. Among the ten most abundant bacterial species, eight showed changes. All decreased species were Gram-positive bacteria, while all increased species were Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, Sinorhizobium meliloti, which increased in invaded areas, is known for nitrogen fixation and promoting plant growth. Additionally, bacteria with functions such as xylanolysis, ligninolysis, nitrate ammonification, and nitrite ammonification also increased in invaded areas. This study confirmed that garlic mustard invasion in Korea alters the structure and function of soil bacterial communities, highlighting the significant impact of garlic mustard on its new habitat.