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International audience; The intensification of biological processes coping with salt stress became a major issue to mitigate land degradation. The Sine-Saloum Delta in Senegal is characterized by salt-affected soils with vegetation dominated by salt-tolerant grass Sporobolus robustus and shrubs like Prosopis juliflora. Plant experiments in controlled conditions suggested that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi might be the key actors of facilitation process observed between S. robustus and P. juliflora, but the AM fungal community determinants are largely unknown. The current field-based study aimed at (1) characterizing the environmental drivers (rhizosphere physico-chemical properties, plant type and season) of the AM fungal community along an environmental gradient and (2) identifying the AM fungal taxa that might explain the S. robustus-mediated benefits to P. juliflora. Glomeraceae predominated in the two plants, but a higher richness was observed for S. robustus. The pH and salinity were the main drivers of AM fungal community associated with the two plants, negatively impacting richness and diversity. However, while a negative impact was also observed on mycorrhizal colonization for S. robustus, P. juliflora showed opposite colonization patterns. Furthermore, no change was observed in terms of AM fungal community dissimilarity between the two plants along the environmental gradient as would be expected according to the stress-gradient and complementary hypotheses when a facilitation process occurs. However, changes in intraspecific diversity of shared AM fungal community between the two plants were observed, highlighting 23 AM fungal OTUs associated with both plants and the highest salinity levels. Consequently, the increase of their abundance and frequency along the environmental gradient might suggest their potential role in the facilitation process that can take place between the two plants. Their use in ecological engineering could also represent promising avenues for improving vegetation restoration in saline Senegalese's lands.

International audience; Intense research efforts over the last two decades have renewed our understand-ing of plant phylogeography and domestication in the Mediterranean basin. Here we aim to investigate the evolutionary history and the origin of domestication of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), which has been cultivated for millennia for food and fodder. We used >1000 microsatellite genotypes to delimit seven carob evolutionary units (CEUs). We investigated genome-wide diversity and evolutionary patterns of the CEUs with 3557 single nucleotide polymorphisms generated by restriction-site asso-ciated DNA sequencing (RADseq). To address the complex wild vs. cultivated status of sampled trees, we classified 56 sampled populations across the Mediterranean basin as wild, seminatural or cultivated. Nuclear and cytoplasmic loci were identified from RADseq data and separated for analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of these genomic- wide data allowed us to resolve west-to- east expansions from a single long-term refu-gium probably located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains near the Atlantic coast. Our findings support multiple origins of domestication with a low impact on the genetic diversity at range-wide level. The carob was mostly domesticated from locally selected wild genotypes and scattered long-distance westward dispersals of domesticated varieties by humans, concomitant with major historical migrations by Romans, Greeks and Arabs. Ex situ efforts to preserve carob genetic resources should prioritize accessions from both western and eastern populations, with emphasis on the most differentiated CEUs situated in southwest Morocco, south Spain and eastern Mediterranean. Our study highlights the relevance of wild and seminatural habitats in the conservation of genetic resources for cultivated trees

Intense research efforts on phylogeography over the last two decades uncovered major biogeographical trends and renewed our understandings of plant domestication in the Mediterranean. We aim to investigate the evolutionary history and the origin of domestication of the carob tree that has been cultivated for millennia for food and fodder. We used >1000 microsatellite genotypes to identify carob evolutionary units (CEUs) based on genetic diversity structure and geography. We investigated genome-wide diversity and evolutionary patterns of the CEUs with 3557 SNPs generated by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). The 56 populations sampled across the Mediterranean basin, classified as natural, semi-natural or cultivated, were examined. Although, RADseq data are consistent with previous studies identifying a strong West-to-East genetic structure and considerable admixture in some geographic parts, we reconstructed a new phylogeographic scenario with two migration routes occurring from a single refugium likely located in South-Western Morocco. Our results do not favour the regionally bound or single origin of domestication. Indeed, our findings support a cultivation model of locally selected wild genotypes, albeit punctuated by long-distance westward dispersals of domesticated varieties by humans, concomitant with major cultural waves by Romans and Arabs in the regions of dispersal. Ex-situ efforts to preserve carob genetic resources should prioritize accessions from both western and eastern populations, with emphasis on the most differentiated CEUs situated in South-Western Morocco, South Spain and Eastern Mediterranean. Our study underscores the relevance of natural and seminatural habitats of Mediterranean forests and their refugia in the conservation efforts of tree crops.

International audience; Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi constitute promising biofertilizers for the deployment of a sustainable agriculture. However, the evaluation of mycorrhizal benefits in the field is poorly documented, notably in fruit tree orchards, and concerns exclusively growth performance and nutrition. Here, we evaluated the persistence of beneficial effects of AM fungal inoculation on two jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) cultivars (Tasset and Gola) inoculated in nursery conditions and subsequently transferred in the field until fruit production. The growth-promoting effects on jujube observed in nursery was still maintained 18 months after planting, with significant higher rates of survival and an increase of fruit production for inoculated jujube cultivars. Nevertheless, AM-mediated responses were dependent on cultivar. No major disturbance of native AM fungal community was associated with AM fungal inoculation but a stimulation of AM fungal colonization is probable. The use of mycorrhizal inoculation with the R. irregularis IR27 strain hold promise for the development of efficient jujube orchards under semi-arid conditions.

International audience; Biodiversity surveys are a pre-requisite for efficient habitat conservation policies and actions, but surveys are mainly focusing on aboveground biodiversity whereas belowground biodiversity is a key component for aboveground functioning. The current study aims at identifying the belowground microbiota associated with major plant components of carob habitats sampled in the North and South Morocco. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the most predominant phyla, among which only a few microbial genera dominated, i.e. Rubrobacter, Microvirga (bacteria) and Alternaria, Mortierealla and Fusarium (fungi). Microbiota structure analyses revealed a significant North/South pattern for the bacterial and fungal communities, associated with specific subsets of soil properties (C/N ratio and N-P-K, CaCO3 contents, respectively). These difference are emphasized by microbial indicator taxa analysis showing contrasted significance at the kingdom level and functionality divergences characterized by fungal pathogens in the North and stress-tolerant plant beneficial bacteria in the South. Nevertheless, a core microbiota of 138 OTUs were revealed for the association Ceratonia-Pistacia, an indicator of Mediterranean thermophilous woodlands.

La subéraie est écosystème forestier occupant une place socio-économique et écologique majeure au Maroc. Cet écosystème est cependant fortement impacté par l'augmentation des pressions anthropiques et l'aggravation des conditions climatiques, entrainant une forte régression de sa superficie et une accélération des processus de désertification. L'étude avait pour objectif de caractériser l'impact du mode de gestion de la subéraie sur une composante majeure de son fonctionnement, la communauté de champignons ectomycorhiziens (EcMs) associées au chêne-liège, et de déterminer des bio-indicateurs EcMs relatifs aux perturbations. La communauté de champignons EcMs a été suivie au cours de la période estivale et hivernale au sein de deux sites de la subéraie de la Maâmora (Maroc), caractérisés soit par une exploitation ou non de la subéraie. Un impact significatif du mode de gestion de la subéraie sur la communauté de champignons EcMs a été mis en évidence, avec les différences les plus notables à la période estivale. Ces travaux ont permis de confirmer l'importance écologique probable de plusieurs groupes de champignons (e.g. Cenococcum) dans le maintien des fonctionnalités de la subéraie, mais aussi de l'association préférentielle de certains champignons EcMs (Pachyphloeus, Russula, Tomentella) à une perturbation ou une saison, et par conséquent à l'état de la subéraie ou à des conditions climatiques, respectivement. La généralisation de ce type d'étude à l'ensemble de la subéraie méditerranéenne pourrait permettre l'établissement de modèles plus robustes pour prédire l'impact des changements globaux sur cet écosystème emblématique des régions méditerranéennes.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:05:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-11-01 Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement Despite the strong ecological importance of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, their vertical distribution remains poorly understood. To our knowledge, ECM structures associated with trees have never been reported in depths below 2 meters. In this study, fine roots and ECM root tips were sampled down to 4-m depth during the digging of two independent pits differing by their water availability. A meta-barcoding approach based on Illumina sequencing of internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) was carried out on DNA extracted from root samples (fine roots and ECM root tips separately). ECM fungi dominated the root-associated fungal community, with more than 90% of sequences assigned to the genus Pisolithus. The morphological and barcoding results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of ECM symbiosis down to 4-m. The molecular diversity of Pisolithus spp. was strongly dependent on depth, with soil pH and soil water content as primary drivers of the Pisolithus spp. structure. Altogether, our results highlight the importance to consider the ECM symbiosis in deep soil layers to improve our understanding of fine roots functioning in tropical soils. CIRAD UMR Eco&Sols Eco&Sols Univ Montpellier CIRAD INRA IRD Montpellier SupAgro ESALQ University São Paulo CIRAD UMR BGPI BGPI Univ Montpellier CIRAD INRA IRD Montpellier SupAgro CENA University São Paulo Federal University of Ceará UNESP University São Paulo LSTM Univ Montpellier CIRAD INRA IRD Montpellier SupAgro INRA US 1426 GeT-PlaGe Genotoul UNESP University São Paulo

International audience; Cork oak (Quercus sober L.) is an emblematic component of western Mediterranean basin landscapes. Cork oak forests have always been highly appreciated by local populations for their great ecological and socio-economic value. However, the sustainability of cork oak forests has been threatened in recent decades by a complex phenomenon of degradation called "oak decline", worsened by the increase of anthropogenic and climatic disturbances combined with a lack or scarcity of natural cork oak regeneration. All these disturbances disrupt key components of the ecosystem, notably the rhizosphere microbiome, potentially sharpening decline processes and forest ecosystem degradation in return. This review provides an overview of the main abiotic and biotic decline drivers and a comprehensive state of knowledge about the impact of decline-related cork oak forest degradation on rhizosphere microbiome in Mediterranean basin. Finally, perspectives for the improvement of cork oak forest sustainability through the development of ecological management strategies based on rhizosphere microbiome-driven plant managements are highlighted.

International audience; A wide program of fruit tree planting, notably jujube trees, has been implemented in the framework of the panAfrican Great Green Wall (GGW) project to improve food security in arid and semiarid regions. However, the success of such initiatives is highly limited by a low tree growth and high tree mortality rates due to transplant shocks from tree nursery to field. The positive impact of mycorrhiza-based ecological engineering strategies on jujube trees were previously demonstrated in nursery conditions, but field monitoring is necessary to evaluate their sustainability in terms of plant growth and survival. In the current study, local (Tassel) and exotic (Gola) jujube cultivars were tested for their response to mycorrhizal inoculation with the non-native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis IR 27 and fertilization with rock phosphate. The environmental impacts of both treatments were assessed by characterizing the native AM fungal community in a 13-month-old jujube orchard. Field results demonstrated higher rates of survival and a relative stability of nursery-driven plant benefits of inoculated jujube trees, as well as a potential higher persistence of AM fungal inoculum for the exotic cultivar. The native AM fungal community associated with the local cultivar was the most diverse, but Glomeraceae was predominant in both cultivars. The mycorrhiza-based ecological engineering strategies proposed in this work affected both AM fungal communities, notably Glomeraceae and Gigasporaceae members, but in a higher extent for the local jujube cultivar. Results highlight the strong benefits of mycorrhizal inoculation at the very early stages of tree seedling growth in nursery and their stability in the first year of plantation. Nevertheless, a deeper assessment of mycorrhizal inoculum persistence and spread, and a wider characterization of soil and root microbiome need to be implemented in further field monitoring to better evaluate the environmental impacts.

Efficient afforestation programs are crucial to limit soil degradation in various arid and semi-arid ecosystems. However, the success of these programs is dependant to the plant type selected for revegetation and the methods used for seedling production. Exotic fast-growing trees have been largely planted but their use is currently controversial because of their potential negative ecological impacts. Whereas the positive impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inoculation in nursery was demonstrated, few studies focused on the monitoring of mycorrhizal inoculation in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. In addition, the majority of studies are based on single-species inocula with non native AM fungal strains. The current study aims at evaluating the efficiency of mycorrhizal inoculation of the emblematic Mediterranean carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) in a Moroccan degraded site, through an ecological engineering strategy based on the use of a complex native AM community (naturally associated to carob trees). Results demonstrate the high potential of this approach by improving sustainably the growth and nutrient status of carob trees in a 3-year-old plantation and also by inducing a positive soil microbial environment for nutrient cycling and environmental stress resistance. (Resume d'auteur)

Background and aims Plant growth is frequently limited by the availability of inorganic phosphorus (P) in the soil. In most soils, a considerable amount of the soil P is bound to organic molecules. Of these, phytate is the most abundant identifiable organic P form, but is not readily available to plants. In contrast, microorganisms have been shown to degrade phytate with high efficiency. The current study aims to characterize the members of the phytate-hydrolysing bacterial community in rhizosphere, and the molecular and enzymatic ability of these bacteria to degrade phytate. Methods and results The phytate-hydrolysing bacterial community was characterized from the rhizosphere of plants cultivated in the presence or absence of phytate supplementation. Major changes in the bacterial community structure were observed with both culturedependent and -independent methods, which highlighted the predominance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Phytase activity was detected for a range of rhizobacterial isolates as well as the presence of, β-propeller phytases (BPP) for both isolates and directly in a soil sample. Conclusion Awide taxonomic range of functional phytate utilizers have been discovered, in soil bacterial taxa that were previously not well known for their ability to utilise phytate as P or C sources. This study provides new insights into microbial carbon and phosphorus cycling in soil.

Mediterranean forests are found in the Mediterranean basin, California, the South African Cape Province, South and southwestern Australia and parts of Central Chile. They represent 1.8 % of the world forest areas of which the vast majority is found in the Mediterranean basin, where historical and paleogeographic episodes, long-term human influence and geographical and climatic contrasts have created ecosystemic diversity and heterogeneity. Even if evergreen is dominant, deciduous trees are also represented, with different forest types including dense stands with a closed canopy (forests sensu stricto) and pre-forestal or pre-steppic structures with lower trees density and height. The Mediterranean basin is also a hot spot of forest species and genetic diversity, with 290 woody species versus only 135 for non-Mediterranean Europe. However, the characteristics of the Mediterranean area (long-standing anthropogenic pressure, significant current human activity and broad biodiversity) make it one of the world’s regions most threatened by current changes. Four examples of Mediterranean forest types, present in south and north of the Mediterranean basin and more or less threatened, are developed in order to show that linking “hard sciences” and humanities and social sciences is necessary to understand these complex ecosystems. We show also that these forests, in spite of specific climatic constraints, can also be healthy and productive and play a major ecological and social role. Furthermore, even if the current human activity and global change constitute a risk for these exceptional ecosystems, Mediterranean forests represent a great asset and opportunities for the future of the Mediterranean basin.

International audience; Background and aims – The thermophilous woodlands of the Mediterranean region constitute reservoirs of genetic resources for several fruit trees. Among them, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a key component of traditional Mediterranean agroecosystems but its ecology was never assessed at the scale of its whole distribution area. Fortunately, phytosociological literature shelters invaluable resources for several issues in conservation, among them the possibility to analyse plant biodiversity at regional or continental scale. Here, we present the results of a comprehensive survey of the phytosociological literature associated to carob tree.Methods – We collected 1542 floristic relevés performed in 18 geographical areas distributed around the Mediterranean in which the presence of C. siliqua was recorded. Species composition of the plant communities was analysed by multivariate ordination and hierarchical classification, and species diversity was evaluated by rarefaction and prediction analyses of Hill numbers.Key results – Multivariate analyses revealed that plant communities associated with the carob tree are well differentiated between the Western and Eastern basins. A wider range of floristic differentiation is revealed in the Western basin where the vegetation reaches its maximal heterogeneity. By comparison, in the Eastern basin the plant assemblages associated with the carob tree are more homogeneous and with a lower species richness but a higher Simpson diversity.Conclusions – The large ecological range of the Mediterranean carob trees is potentially an important evolutionary legacy for the conservation of genetic resources and seed sourcing for new uses such as restoration ecology.

Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) ha sido cultivada durante muchos años en bosques naturales, principalmente para la recolección de sus vainas y sus semillas dado su alto valor por sus múltiples usos desde tiempos antiguos. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre la ecología y el estado de conservación de los bosques de tara. La simbiosis micorrítica puede desempeñar un rol central en el crecimiento temprano de esta leguminosa y constituye un componente clave para la mejora de las prácticas de manejo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el estado micorrítico de tara en plantaciones localizadas en Perú y evaluar el impacto micorrítico sobre el crecimiento temprano de plántulas de Tara en condiciones de invernadero. Los resultados mostraron que la tara se asoció principalmente con hongos micorríticos arbusculares de la familia Glomeraceae, notablemente Rhizophagus spp. La micorrización controlada con esporas de R. irregularis mejoró significativamente el crecimiento de tara en invernadero, así como la absorción de nutrientes como el fósforo (P) y el nitrógeno (N). Por lo tanto, C. spinosa podría ser considerada como “altamente dependiente de la micorriza”. Estos resultados destacan la necesidad de considerar la simbiosis micorrítica arbuscular para mantener en forma sostenible la productividad y estabilidad de las plantaciones de tara.

The cork oak forest is an ecosystem playing a major role in Moroccan socio-economy and biodiversity conservation. However, this ecosystem is negatively impacted by extensive human- and climate-driven pressures, causing a strong decrease in its distribution and a worsening of the desertification processes. This study aims at characterising the impact of cork oak forest management on a major actor of its functioning, the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community associated with Quercus suber, and the determination of EcM bio-indicators. The EcM fungal community has been monitored during spring and winter seasons in two sites of the Moroccan Mâamora forest, corresponding to a forest site either impacted by human activities or protected. A significant impact of cork oak forest management on the EcM fungal community has been revealed, with major differences during the summer season. The results confirmed the potential ecological significance of several EcM fungi (e.g., Cenococcum) in the sustainability of the cork oak forest functioning, but also the significant association of certain EcM fungi (Pachyphloeus, Russula, Tomentella) with a perturbation or a season, and consequently to the cork oak forest status or to climatic conditions, respectively. The development of study at the Mediterranean scale may improve the robustness of ecological models to predict the impact of global changes on this emblematic ecosystem of Mediterranean basin.

Microbially mediated arsenic release from Holocene and Pleistocene Cambodian aquifer sediments was investigated using microcosm experiments and substrate amendments. In the Holocene sediment, the metabolically active bacteria, including arsenate-respiring bacteria, were determined by DNA stable-isotope probing. After incubation with 13 C-acetate and 13 C-lactate, active bacterial community in the Holocene sediment was dominated by different Geobacter spp.-related 16S rRNA sequences. Substrate addition also resulted in the enrichment of sequences related to the arsenate-respiring Sulfurospirillum spp. 13 C-acetate selected for ArrA related to Geobacter spp. whereas 13 C-lactate selected for ArrA which were not closely related to any cultivated organism. Incubation of the Pleistocene sediment with lactate favoured a 16S rRNA-phylotype related to the sulphate-reducing Desulfovibrio oxamicus DSM1925, whereas the ArrA sequences clustered with environmental sequences distinct from those identified in the Holocene sediment. Whereas limited As(III) release was observed in Pleistocene sediment after lactate addition, no arsenic mobilization occurred from Holocene sediments, probably because of the initial reduced state of As, as determined by X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure. Our findings demonstrate that in the presence of reactive organic carbon, As(III) mobilization can occur in Pleistocene sediments, having implications for future strategies that aim to reduce arsenic contamination in drinking waters by using aquifers containing Pleistocene sediments.

International audience; Azospirillum-plant cooperation has been mainly studied from an agronomic point of view leading to a wide description of mechanisms implicated in plant growth-promoting effects. However, little is known about genetic determinants implicated in bacterial adaptation to the host plant during the transition from free-living to root-associated lifestyles. This study aims at characterizing global gene expression of Azospirillum lipoferum 4B following a 7-day-old interaction with two cultivars of Oryza sativa L. japonica (cv. Cigalon from which it was originally isolated, and cv. Nipponbare). The analysis was done on a whole genome expression array with RNA samples obtained from planktonic cells, sessile cells and root-adhering cells. Root-associated Azospirillum grow in an active sessile-like state and gene expression is tightly adjusted to the host plant. Adaptation to rice seems to involve genes related to ROS detoxification and multidrug efflux, as well as complex regulatory networks. As revealed by the induction of genes encoding transposases, interaction with root may drive bacterial genome rearrangements. Several genes related to ABC transporter and ROS detoxification display cultivar-specific expression profiles, suggesting host specific adaptation and raising the question of A. lipoferum 4B/rice cv. Cigalon co-adaptation.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

It is well known that the over exploitation of soil resources decreases the density and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal propagules. It has been postulated that agricultural practices could promote the occurrence and functioning of remaining and resilient AM fungal ecotypes in order to benefit from AM associations. Using C. ochroleuca , a highly mycotrophic plant species, the aims of this study were to determine in controlled conditions, the impact of this legume species on: (i) the mycorrhizal soil infectivity (MSI), (ii) the Rock Phosphate (RP) solubilising activity and (iii) the soil microbial functions. The expected benefits of C. ochroleuca cultivation have been evaluated by comparing its biological influences with those recorded with a non-mycorrhizal plant species, Brassica oleracea in order to attest of the importance of the AM potential in RP weathering and soil functioning. The results show that: C. ochroleuca was effective in improving the mycorrhizal soil potential, (ii) functional abilities of soil microflora were influenced by the cultured plant species and the mycorrhizal soil potential and (iii) the efficiency of rock phosphate amendment on plant growth depended on the level of mycorrhizal soil potential and was linkedto the extent of the mycorrhizal network.The C. ochroleuca impact was significantly reinforced with KRP amendment (i.e. +29.3% for the Catabolic Eveness, +45.7% for the hyphal length). According to these results, it could be concluded that agricultural strategies based on the management of local biodiversity (i.e. the use of native legume species) could be considered as a sustainable practice to optimally manage AM fungi and to ensure their functionalities in order to maintain a sustainable production of food crops in the tropics.

International audience; Soil fungi associated with plant roots, notably ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi, are central in above-and below-ground interactions in Mediterranean forests. They are a key component in soil nutrient cycling and plant productivity. Yet, major disturbances of Mediterranean forests, particularly in the Southern Mediterranean basin, are observed due to the greater human pressures and climate changes. These disturbances highly impact forest cover, soil properties and consequently the root-associated fungal communities. The implementation of efficient conservation strategies of Mediterranean forests is thus closely tied to our understanding of root-associated fungal biodiversity and environmental rules driving its diversity and structure. In our study, the root-associated fungal community of Q. suber was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing across three major Moroccan cork oak habitats. Significant differences in root-associated fungal community structures of Q. suber were observed among Moroccan cork oak habitats (Maa A mora, Benslimane, Chefchaoun) subjected to different human disturbance levels (high to low disturbances, respectively). The fungal community structure changes correlated with a wide range of soil properties, notably with pH, C: N ratio (P = 0.0002), and available phosphorus levels (P = 0.0001). More than 90 belowground fungal indicators (P < 0.01)-either of a type of habitat and/or a soil property-were revealed. The results shed light on the ecological significance of ubiquitous ectomycorrhiza (Tomentella, Russula, Cenococcum), and putative sclerotia-associated/ericoid mycorrhizal fungal taxa (Cladophialophora, Oidiodendron) in the Moroccan cork oak forest, and their intraspecific variability regarding their response to land use and soil characteristics.

This synthesis has as main objectives to gather knowledge concerning the mycorrhizal status of Juniperus species and more particularly that of J. thurifera. The results highlight the obvious lack of scientific knowledge on the role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in the ecology of this forest species. However, despite these scientific gaps, some observations can be considered to introduce the mycorrhizal symbiosis in afforestation programs with Juniperus either through controlled mycorrhization or accompanying vegetation management by identifying the most effective nurse plants. Examples of validation of these ecological engineering techniques are presented with another Cupressacée, Cupressus atlantica, highlighting the possibilities of transferring these cultural techniques to the model Juniperus. To ensure a positive impact of the mycorrhizal symbiosis in Juniperus management plans, it is necessary to learn much more concerning the structure of the mycorrhizal communities associated with J. thurifera and their ecological roles in the different stages of tree development., Cet article de synthèse a pour principaux objectifs de rassembler des connaissances concernant le statut mycorhizien des espèces du genre Juniperus et plus particulièrement celui de J. thurifera. Les résultats présentés mettent en exergue le manque évident de connaissances scientifiques sur le rôle de la symbiose mycorhizienne dans l’écologie de cette essence forestière. Toutefois et malgré ces lacunes, quelques observations permettent d’envisager une valorisation performante de la symbiose mycorhizienne dans les opérations de gestion des formations à Juniperus que ce soit via la mycorhization contrôlée ou la gestion de la flore accompagnatrice en identifiant les plantes nurses les plus efficaces. Des exemples de validation de ces techniques d’ingénierie écologique sont présentés avec une autre Cupressacée, le Cyprès de l’Atlas, en soulignant les possibilités de transfert au modèle Juniperus. Afin de valoriser au mieux la symbiose mycorhizienne dans la mise en place de plan de gestion des formations à Juniperus, il sera nécessaire d’acquérir des connaissances beaucoup plus conséquentes au niveau de la structure du cortège mycorhizien associé à J. thurifera et de son rôle écologique dans les différents stades de développement de l’arbre., Sanguin Hervé, Khoulassa Siham, Zarik Lamia, Gryta Hervé, Boumezzough Ali, Ouahmane Lahcen, Hafidi Mohamed, Ouhammou Ahmed, Prin Yves, Dreyfus Bernard, Cambecèdes Jocelyne, Miché Lucie, Gauquelin Thierry, Duponnois Robin. Rôles potentiels de la symbiose mycorhizienne dans la conservation des populations méditerranéennes de Genévrier thurifère (Juniperus thurifera L.). In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 39 n°1, 2013. Actes du IVe Colloque international sur le Genévrier thurifère. 5-8 octobre 2011 Mont-Dauphin et Saint-Crépin (Hautes-Alpes, France) pp. 99-107.

Bacterial thiopurine methyltransferases (bTPMTs) can favour resistance towards toxic tellurite oxyanions through a pathway leading to the emission of a garlic-like smell. Gene expression profiling completed by genetic, physiological and electron microscopy analyses was performed to identify key bacterial activities contributing to this resistance process. Escherichia coli strain MG1655 expressing the bTPMT was used as a cell model in these experiments. This strain produced a garlic-like smell which was found to be due to dimethyl telluride, and cell aggregates in culture media supplemented with tellurite. Properties involved in aggregation were correlated with cell attachment to polystyrene, which increased with tellurite concentrations. Gene expression profiling supported a role of adhesins in the resistance process with 14% of the tellurite-regulated genes involved in cell envelope, flagella and fimbriae biogenesis. Other tellurite-regulated genes were, at 27%, involved in energy, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism including the synthesis of antioxidant proteins, and at 12% in the synthesis of transcriptional regulators and signal transduction systems. Escherichia coli mutants impaired in tellurite-regulated genes showed ubiquinone and adhesins synthesis, oxidative stress response, and efflux to be essential in the bTPMT resistance process. High tellurite resistance required a synergistic expression of these functions and an efficient tellurium volatilization by the bTPMT.

International audience; The Phoenician juniper tree (Juniperus phoenicea L.) is emblematic of Mediterranean ecosystems. Secular trees from a relict population are present in the cliffs of the Ardeche gorges (protected natural reserve). This population shows a remarkable adaptability to major physical, nutrient and water availability constraints. The basis of its adaptation to hostile environmental conditions is poorly understood. The aim of the study is to decipher the diversity and structure of the Phoenician juniper mycorrhizal Community in order to highlight mycorrhizal characteristics related to the particular ecology of this relict population. We hypothesized that a long-term co-evolution between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the plant partner, emphasized by a geographic isolation, may have selected a specific mycorrhizal community playing a key role in J. phoenicea adaptation. 454-sequencing of AM fungal community from Phoenician juniper secular trees revealed a complex community, notably composed of Rhizophagus and poorly-affiliated Glomeraceae clades. The AM fungal community characterized was mainly related to those found in arid and semi-arid habitats, strengthening the ecological specificity of the Phoenician juniper AM fungal communities to harsh environmental conditions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

International audience

In Morocco, the use of seed legumes is limited because significant water deficits and the low availability of soil phosphorus (P) limit nitrogen fixation. However, little is known about the ability of faba bean-rhizobium symbiosis to fix nitrogen in P-deficient soils and to transfer fixed nitrogen (N) to intercropped wheat. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) and their extraradical hyphae networks play an important role in the facilitation process by promoting interconnectivity and the transfer of nutrients, such as N and P, between associated plants. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of AM inoculation on N-2 fixation and the transfer of fixed N from faba bean to intercropped wheat. Germinated faba bean and wheat seeds were transferred into 1-l pots filled with a P-deficient soil that was collected from the Haouz valley near Marrakech (Morocco). Plants from the two species were grown in pots in either pure or mixed stands under greenhouse conditions, and each cropping system was subjected to three mycorrhizal inoculation treatments with a non-inoculated (AM0) and two concentrations of Rhizophagus irregularis inoculants containing 1000 (AM1) or 2000 (AM2) spores pot(-1). The N-15 isotope dilution method was used to determine the amount and proportion of atmospheric N fixed by faba bean (Ndfa%) and the fixed N that was transferred to wheat. Mycorrhizal inoculation had a significantly positive effect on the shoot dry weights and total shoot N in faba bean, but not in wheat. The cropping system had no significant effect on the plant growth and total shoot N in both faba bean and wheat. The Ndfa percentage was very high in all of the treatments, varying from 86 to 91%. The total N fixed by faba bean was 27% significantly higher in the AM2 treatment compared with the AM1 and AM0 treatments for both cropping systems combined. The estimated proportions of fixed N that were transferred from faba bean to wheat were far higher in AM1 (50%) and AM2 (32%) treatments than in AM0 (15%) treatment as well as for the total transferred fixed N. As corroborated by a parallel observation of root mycorrhizal colonization, these results suggest that the development of mycorrhizal networks stimulates the transfer of fixed N from faba bean to wheat, which could significantly contribute to the facilitation process under intercropping conditions.

Background This work aimed at characterizing 12 isolates of the genus Tuber including Tuber melanosporum (11 isolates) and Tuber brumale (one isolate). This was done using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, confirming their origin. Results Analysis of their mating type revealed that both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 exist within these isolates (with 3 and 8 of each, respectively). We observed that each of these cultures was consistently associated with one bacterium that was intimately linked to fungal growth. These bacterial associates failed to grow in the absence of fungus. We extracted DNA from bacterial colonies in the margin of mycelium and sequenced a nearly complete 16S rDNA gene and a partial ITS fragment. We found they all belonged to the genus Rhodopseudomonas, fitting within different phylogenetic clusters. No relationships were evidenced between bacterial and fungal strains or mating types. Rhodopseudomonas being a sister genus to Bradyrhizobium, we tested the nodulation ability of these bacteria on a promiscuously nodulating legume (Acacia mangium), without success. We failed to identify any nifH genes among these isolates, using two different sets of primers. Conclusions While the mechanisms of interaction between Tuber and Rhodopseudomonas remain to be elucidated, their interdependency for in vitro growth seems a novel feature of this fungus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-2756-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient limiting plant growth in many soils. To reduce P deficiencies and ensure plant productivity, large quantities of soluble forms of P fertilizers are applied worldwide every year. However up to 80 % of P chemical fertilizer amendments are lost as it is easily precipitated into insoluble forms (CaHPO4, Ca3(PO4)2, FePO4, and AlPO4) and becomes unavailable for plant uptake. Some soil microorganisms are known to be involved in the solubilization of insoluble phosphate by excreting organic acids, phenolic compounds, protons, and siderophores. Among phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, it has been reported that mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to actively mobilize and translocate nutrients from minerals and soil organic matter, directly to their host plant. Mycorrhizal fungi constitute a key functional group of soil biota that greatly contribute to productivity and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems. These are ubiquitous components of most of the ecosystems throughout the world and considered key ecological factors in governing the cycles of major plant nutrients and in sustaining the vegetation cover. It has been suggested that the integration of key processes from natural ecosystems (plant-plant facilitation, positive plant soil feedback) in agricultural management systems could resolve increasing agricultural problems. Since these natural processes are frequently connected with arbuscular mycorrhizas, it is necessary to apply mycorrhizal inoculation technologies or to manage native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus communities to replace or reinforce the mycorrhizal potential in these degraded areas. This chapter aims to describe the influence of some cultural practices (rotation, intercropping, mycorrhizal inoculation) that mimic these natural processes in agrosystems, on soil microbiota (i.e.: soil mycorrhizal infectivity) leading to a sustainable microbial complex with high efficiency against phosphorus mobilization and transferring phosphorus from the soil organic matter or from soil minerals to the host plant.

Waste dumps generated by mining activities contain heavy metals that are dispersed into areas leading to significant environmental contamination. The objectives of this study were (i) to survey native plants and their associated AM fungal communities from waste soils in a Moroccan mine site and (ii) to follow Eucalyptus growth in soil collected from the waste-mine. AM spores from native plant species were collected from the mining site and the surrounding uncontaminated areas were multiplied and inoculated onto Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The results showed that (i) the native plant species recorded in the waste did not show an active metal uptake, (ii) the selected native plant species are associated with AM mycorrhizal fungi and (iii) the use of AM fungi adapted to these drastic conditions can improve the growth of the fast-growing tree, E. camaldulensis and its tolerance to high soil Cu content. In conclusion, it is suggested that in order to define efficient low-cost phytostabilization processes, the use of native resources (i.e., mixtures of native mycorrhizal fungi) in combination with fast-growing tree species such as Eucalyptus, could be used to optimize the establishment of a permanent cover plant in contaminated areas.

The aim of this study was to test the impact of Rhizophagus irregularis, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), on durum wheat growth and soil microbial functionalities in a field inoculation trial conducted in Morocco. The results showed that i) the R. irregularis inoculum effectively improved wheat growth, ii) wheat growth promotion depended on the soil mycorrhizal infectivity and iii) functional abilities of soil microflora depended on AMF inoculation. This study confirms that field AMF inoculation can be proposed as an effective agronomic practice in wheat production and as a sustainable cultural practice to manage soil biofunctioning. To fully promote inoculation practices, a better knowledge of AMF ecology has to be acquired to better adapt AMF inoculation to environmental conditions, and thus warrant better yields and agricultural sustainability.

International audience; Cooperation involving Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria results in improvements of plant growth and health. While pathogenic and symbiotic interactions are known to induce transcriptional changes for genes related to plant defense and development, little is known about the impact of phytostimulating rhizobacteria on plant gene expression. This study aims at identifying genes significantly regulated in rice roots upon Azospirillum inoculation, considering possible favored interaction between a strain and its original host cultivar. Genome-wide analyzes of Oryza sativa japonica cultivars Cigalon and Nipponbare were performed, by using microarrays, seven days post-inoculation with Azospirillum lipoferum 4B (isolated from Cigalon) or Azospirillum sp. B510 (isolated from Nipponbare) and compared to the respective non-inoculated condition. A total of 7384 genes were significantly regulated, which represent about 16% of total rice genes. A set of 34 genes is regulated by both Azospirillum strains in both cultivars, including a gene orthologous to PR10 of Brachypodium, and these could represent plant markers of Azospirillum-rice interactions. The results highlight a strain-dependent response of rice, with 83% of the differentially expressed genes being classified as combination-specific. Whatever the combination, most of the differentially expressed genes are involved in primary metabolism, transport, regulation of transcription and protein fate. When considering genes involved in response to stress and plant defense, it appears that strain B510, a strain displaying endophytic properties, leads to the repression of a wider set of genes than strain 4B. Individual genotypic variations could be the most important driving force of rice roots gene expression upon Azospirillum inoculation. Strain-dependent transcriptional changes observed for genes related to auxin and ethylene signaling highlight the complexity of hormone signaling networks in the Azospirillum-rice cooperation.

Plant-plant facilitation is an ecological process occurring in most terrestrial ecosystems. Plant-plant facilitation is considered as a positive interaction between both plant partners in which one plant species promotes the growth, survival or reproduction of the neighbouring plant. Recent studies have underlined the role of mycorrhizal fungi, i.e. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and particularly extra radical hyphae of AMF, in interconnecting plants and consequently their importance in plant-plant facilitation process. Networks of AMF impact soils both physically and biologically and are considered as an important pathway for the transference of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. In parallel, AMF increase plant growth and nutrient uptake and decrease the deleterious effects of pathogens and drought. The aims of this chapter are to describe how the AMF are involved in the plant facilitation process and to assess the main mycorrhizal effects on the plant nutrition (P and N) and plant health. Also the contribution of AMF in cropping systems as well as agricultural strategies which improve AM associations in arid agrosystems will be reviewed and illustrated by experimental results from field studies in Mediterranean environment.

Les contraintes majeures qui limitent la productivité des agroécosystèmes en milieu arides sont généralement attribuées aux carences minérales [plus particulièrement en phosphore (P) et en azote (N)], à un déficit en eau, aux processus d’érosion hydrique et éolienne, ainsi qu’à des perturbations dans le biofonctionnement du sol (faible diversité génétique et fonctionnelle de la microflore tellurique, etc.). Lorsque ces milieux ne sont pas soumis à une surexploitation, ils présentent une activité biologique élevée. Il a été ainsi suggéré que leur valorisation via des stratégies culturales adéquates pouvait réactiver les processus écologiques impliqués dans le maintien de la fertilité des sols et ainsi assurer une meilleure productivité de l’agro-écosystème. La plupart des plantes de ces régions arides (espèces sauvages ou cultivées) sont associées à des champignons mycorhiziens à arbuscules (CMA). Ces symbiotes fongiques sont reconnus comme étant des composantes microbiennes majeures dans le déroulement des principaux cycles biogéochimiques des sols (C, P et N) et en conséquence dans le développement des plantes en améliorant leur nutrition minérale mais aussi hydrique et leur état sanitaire. Paradoxalement, leur valorisation au sein d’itinéraires culturaux reste encore très limitée, voire inexistante. Ce chapitre a pour objectifs principaux de décrire le rôle des CMA dans le maintien et l’amélioration de la fertilité des sols et sur le développement des plantes tant au niveau de leur nutrition minérale, de leur résistance au stress hydrique que de l’état sanitaire des sols cultivés (ex. : lutte contre Striga spp.). Des stratégies d’ingénierie écologique seront ensuite proposées afin d’optimiser certaines techniques culturales (ex. : agroforesterie) dans le rôle de maintien du potentiel infectieux mycorhizogène des sols en relation avec une pleine expression des propriétés de la symbiose mycorhizienne sur les plantes cultivées, permettant ainsi d’atteindre des rendements culturaux compatibles avec les besoins des populations locales.

The overexploitation of natural resources, resulting in an increased need for arable lands by local populations, causes a serious dysfunction in the soil's biological functioning (mineral deficiency, salt stress, etc.). This dysfunction, worsened by the climatic conditions (drought), requires the implementation of ecological engineering strategies allowing the rehabilitation of degraded areas through the restoration of essential ecological services. The first symptoms of weathering processes of soil quality in tropical and Mediterranean environments result in an alteration of the plant cover structure with, in particular, the pauperization of plant species diversity and abundance. This degradation is accompanied by a weakening of soils and an increase of the impact of erosion on the surface layer resulting in reduced fertility of soils in terms of their physicochemical characteristics as well as their biological ones (e.g., soil microbes). Among the microbial components particularly sensitive to erosion, symbiotic microorganisms (rhizobia, Frankia, mycorrhizal fungi) are known to be key components in the main terrestrial biogeochemical cycles (C, N and P). Many studies have shown the importance of the management of these symbiotic microorganisms in rehabilitation and revegetation strategies of degraded environments, but also in improving the productivity of agrosystems. In particular, the selection of symbionts and their inoculation into the soil were strongly encouraged in recent decades. These inoculants were selected not only for their impact on the plant, but also for their ability to persist in the soil at the expense of the residual native microflora. The performance of this technique was thus evaluated on the plant cover, but its impact on soil microbial characteristics was totally ignored. The role of microbial diversity on productivity and stability (resistance, resilience, etc.) of eco- and agrosystems has been identified relatively recently and has led to a questioning of the conceptual bases of controlled inoculation in sustainable land management. It has been suggested that the environmental characteristics of the area to rehabilitate should be taken into account, and more particularly its degradation level in relation to the threshold of ecological resilience. This consideration should lead to the optimization of the cultural practices to either (i) restore the original properties of an ecosystem in case of slightly degraded environments or (ii) transform an ecosystem in case of highly degraded soils (e.g., mine soils). In this chapter, we discuss, through various examples of experiments conducted in tropical and Mediterranean areas, the performance of different strategies to manage the microbial potential in soils (inoculation of exotic vs. native species, inoculation or controlled management potential microbial stratum via aboveground vegetation, etc.) based on the level of environmental degradation.

Microbially mediated arsenic release from Holocene and Pleistocene Cambodian aquifer sediments was investigated using microcosm experiments and substrate amendments. In the Holocene sediment, the metabolically active bacteria, including arsenate-respiring bacteria, were determined by DNA stable-isotope probing. After incubation with (13) C-acetate and (13) C-lactate, active bacterial community in the Holocene sediment was dominated by different Geobacter spp.-related 16S rRNA sequences. Substrate addition also resulted in the enrichment of sequences related to the arsenate-respiring Sulfurospirillum spp. (13) C-acetate selected for ArrA related to Geobacter spp. whereas (13) C-lactate selected for ArrA which were not closely related to any cultivated organism. Incubation of the Pleistocene sediment with lactate favoured a 16S rRNA-phylotype related to the sulphate-reducing Desulfovibrio oxamicus DSM1925, whereas the ArrA sequences clustered with environmental sequences distinct from those identified in the Holocene sediment. Whereas limited As(III) release was observed in Pleistocene sediment after lactate addition, no arsenic mobilization occurred from Holocene sediments, probably because of the initial reduced state of As, as determined by X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure. Our findings demonstrate that in the presence of reactive organic carbon, As(III) mobilization can occur in Pleistocene sediments, having implications for future strategies that aim to reduce arsenic contamination in drinking waters by using aquifers containing Pleistocene sediments.

International audience; Increasing interest has been given so far to the role of mycorrhizal symbiosis on plant diversity and ecosystem productivity. However much remains unknown about the effect of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity on plant growth and rhizobial symbiosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of ectomycorrhizal diversity on root nodulation and plant nutrient uptake during plant growth. A gradient of ectomycorrhizal diversity was created (ranged from one to six fungal isolates) on Australian Acacia (Acacia mangium) seedlings grown on a phosphate-deficient soil in controlled conditions. The results dearly show (i) an enhancement of A. mangium growth due to ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculation, (ii) as well as significant effects of increasing ectomycorhizal diversity and soil ectomycorrhizal mycelium density on whole plant biomass and plant nutrient uptake. They also reveal an effect of ectomycorrhizal diversity effect on the functioning of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. These results emphasize the need to manage soil ectomycorrhizal potential (abundance and diversity of ectomycorrhizal mycelium) in forest management practices in order to optimize N-2 fixation and seedling growth, leading thus to dramatic improvements in outplanting performances with fast-growing tree legumes on various reafforestation sites, more particularly in tropical and Mediterranean areas. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The main objective was to evaluate the impact of nurse plant species commonly found in Mediterranean areas (Lavandula dentata and Thymus satureoides) on microbial soil functions, on the native inoculum potential of AM fungi involved in the rock phosphate weathering and to measure the potential benefits to the growth of Atlas Cypress (Cupressus atlantica G.), an endemic Cupressacea of Morocco. Soils collected from an old C. atlantica forest and pre-cultivated with each of the target plant species (L. dentata and T. satureoides). After 5 months of cultivation, they were uprooted and the treated substrate was amended or not with Khouribga Rock Phosphate (KRP). Then pots were filled with the soil mixtures and planted with one pre-germinated seed of C. atlantica. The results show that pre-cultivation step with native mycotrophic plant species improves the mycorrhizal soil infectivity, modifies soil microbial functionalities and increases the impact of rock phosphate amendment on the C. atlantica growth. This low cost cultivation practice by improving forest plant development and cultural soil quality constitutes a promising ecological engineering tool to improve the performances of ecosystem restoration.

Acacia mearnsii is one of the most planted Australian Acacia around the world but is known to be highly invasive, threatening native habitats by competing with indigenous vegetation. The introduction of this species in the Algerian El Kala Biosphere reserve led to the invasion of natural formations to the detriment of Quercus suber , a native tree species. We hypothesized that shifts in soil microbial functions and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community structure triggered by this exotic Acacia species might correlate with a decrease of the early growth of Q. suber . Soil samples were thus collected from 3 different sites where the exotic species was at different stages of invasion in the Algerian El Kala Biosphere reserve, (i) a Q. suber forest free of A. mearnsii (site S1), (ii) a Q. suber / A. mearnsii mixed forest where the Australian Acacia has been recently detected (site S2) and (iii) pure stands of A. mearnsii formed more than 20 years ago (site S3). Plant growth, EcM community structure associated with Q. suber roots and soil microbial functionalities were assessed for 6 month-old cultures of Q. suber in glasshouse conditions. The results clearly demonstrated a strong deleterious impact of A. mearnsii invasion level on soil chemical characteristics, microbial functions and EcM community structure and colonization, correlated to a decrease in the early growth of Q. suber seedlings. The current study gives new insights into both the negative impact of exotic species on soil functioning and their effect on indigenous vegetation growth. These results may be used as a basis for improving the conservation practices of native tree species in such degraded areas as a complement of ecological strategies using indigenous ectotrophic early-successional shrub species (eg. Cistus spp.) that our findings have shown to promote EcM multiplication and the early growth of native tree species.

International audience; Azospirillum is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) able to enhance growth and yield of cereals such as rice, maize and wheat. The growth-promoting ability of some Azospirillum strains appears to be highly specific to certain plant species and cultivars. In order to ascertain the specificity of the associative symbiosis between rice and Azospirillum, the physiological response of two rice cultivars, Nipponbare and Cigalon, inoculated with two rice-associated Azospirillum was analyzed at two levels: plant growth response and plant secondary metabolic response. Each strain of Azospirillum (Azospirillum lipoferum 4B isolated from Cigalon and Azospirillum sp. B510 isolated from Nipponbare) preferentially increased growth of the cultivar from which it was isolated. This specific effect is not related to a defect in colonization of host cultivar as each strain colonizes effectively both rice cultivars, either at the rhizoplane (for 4B and B510) and inside the roots (for B510). The metabolic profiling approach showed that, in response to PGPR inoculation, profiles of rice secondary metabolites were modified, with phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic derivatives being the main metabolites affected. Moreover, plant metabolic changes differed according to Azospirillum strain \texttimes cultivar combinations; indeed, 4B induced major secondary metabolic profile modifications only on Cigalon roots, while B510, probably due to its endophytic feature, induced metabolic variations on shoots and roots of both cultivars, triggering a systemic response. Plant secondary metabolite profiling thereby evidences the specific interaction between an Azospirillum strain and its original host cultivar.

La surexploitation des ressources naturelles, consécutive à un besoin accru en terres arables des populations locales, entraîne de graves dysfonctionnements dans le bio-fonctionnement du sol (carences minérales, stress salins, etc.). Ce dysfonctionnement, aggravé par les aléas climatiques (sécheresse), nécessite la mise en oeuvre de stratégies d'ingénierie écologique permettant une réhabilitation des milieux dégradés via la restauration de services écologiques essentiels. Les premiers symptômes du processus d'altération de la qualité des sols des milieux tropicaux et méditerranéens se traduisent par une altération de la structure de la strate épigée avec, en particulier, une paupérisation de la diversité et de l'abondance des espèces végétales. Cette dégradation est accompagnée par une fragilisation des sols et une augmentation de l'impact de l'érosion sur la couche superficielle, entraînant une baisse de la fertilité des sols au niveau de leurs caractéristiques physico-chimiques, mais aussi biologiques (par exemple, la microflore tellurique). Parmi les composantes microbiennes particulièrement sensibles à ces phénomènes d'érosion, les microorganismes symbiotiques (rhizobia, champignons mycorhiziens) sont connus pour être des composantes clés dans le fonctionnement des principaux cycles biogéochimiques telluriques (C, N et P). De nombreux travaux ont montré l'importance de la gestion de ces microorganismes symbiotiques dans les stratégies de réhabilitation et de revégétalisation des milieux dégradés, mais également pour améliorer la productivité des agro-systèmes. En particulier, la sélection de symbiotes et leur inoculation en masse dans le sol de plantation ou de culture ont été fortement encouragées au cours de ces dernières décennies. Ces inoculants étaient sélectionnés, non seulement pour leur impact sur la plante, mais également pour leur capacité à persister dans le sol, au détriment de la microflore résiduelle native. La performance de cette technique était donc évaluée au niveau du couvert végétal, mais les répercussions au niveau des caractéristiques de la microflore tellurique étaient généralement ignorées. Le rôle de la diversité microbienne sur la productivité et la stabilité (résistance, capacité de résilience, etc.) des éco- et agro-systèmes a été mis en évidence relativement récemment et a conduit à une remise en cause des bases conceptuelles de l'inoculation contrôlée dans la gestion durable des terres. Il a été notamment suggéré que les caractéristiques du milieu à réhabiliter devaient être prises en compte, et plus particulièrement son niveau de dégradation par rapport au seuil de résilience écologique. Cette prise en compte devrait permettre d'optimiser les pratiques culturales pour soit (i) redonner à l'écosystème ses propriétés originelles dans le cas de milieux peu dégradés ou (ii) transformer un écosystème dans le cas de sols hautement dégradés (par exemple, les sols miniers). Dans ce chapitre, nous évoquerons, à travers différents exemples d'expérimentations réalisées en milieu tropical et méditerranéen, les performances des différentes stratégies de gestion du potentiel microbien des sols (inoculation d'espèces exotiques vs des espèces natives, inoculation contrôlée vs la gestion du potentiel microbien via la strate végétale épigée, etc.) suivant le niveau de dégradation du milieu.

L'utilisation d'essences forestières exotiques et plus particulièrement des arbres à croissance rapide (acacias, pins ou eucalyptus) a été fréquemment recommandée pour réhabiliter et restaurer à brève échéance des milieux dégradés suite à des événements naturels ou à des activités anthropiques. L'incidence sur l'environnement de l'introduction de ces espèces, parfois envahissantes, est surtout évaluée pour leur impact sur la biodiversité végétale et les caractéristiques physico-chimiques des sols, mais rarement en ce qui concerne la composition de la microflore. Les micro-organismes, et plus particulièrement les champignons mycorhiziens, jouent un rôle clé vis-à-vis des mécanismes biologiques régissant la fertilité chimique des sols et leur productivité, facteurs de stabilité des écosystèmes terrestres. L'approche retenue a été de décrire l'incidence de l'introduction d'essences exotiques sur les caractéristiques biologiques des sols, ainsi que les conséquences sur la reconstruction d'un couvert végétal composé par des espèces natives du milieu d'origine. Après avoir rappelé l'importance de l'utilisation des acacias à travers le monde, deux études réalisées au Sénégal et en Algérie ont permis de montrer que deux acacias australiens, Acacia holosericea et Acacia mearnsii, induisent de profondes modifications de la diversité fonctionnelle de la microflore du sol et aussi de la structure des microorganismes symbiotiques (champignons mycorhiziens et rhizobia). Ces acacias entraînent une inhibition de la croissance de deux espèces forestières natives, Faidherbia albida et Quercus suber. Les résultats confirment le besoin de cerner les processus biologiques liés aux actions d'introduction d'essences exotiques afin de moduler leur utilisation. Ainsi, cette connaissance préviendra les risques et assurera les performances des opérations de reboisement, notamment pour la réhabilitation des terrains dégradés., The use of exotic tree species and especially fast-growing trees (acacias, pines or eucalypts) has been frequently recommended to rehabilitate and restore in short term degraded areas resulting from natural events or human activities. The consequences on the environment of the introduction of these species, as the case invasive, are generally evaluated on their impact on plant biodiversity and soil physico-chemical characteristics but rarely on the composition of microbial communities. The soil microbiota, especially mycorhizal fungi, plays a key role vis-a-vis biological mechanisms governing the chemical soil fertility, productivity and stability of plant terrestrial ecosystems. Chosen approach was to describe the impact of exotic species on soil biological characteristics and the consequences of the recovering of vegetation cover composed of native species from the previous stand. After pointing out importance of the use of acacias worldwide, two case studies implemented in Senegal and Algeria, have shown that two Australian acacias, Acacia holosericea and Acacia mearnsii, induce deep changes in the functional diversity of soil microorganisms and in the structure of symbiotic microorganisms communities (mycorhizal fungi and rhizobia). These acacias inhibit the growth of two native tree species, Quercus suber and Faidherbia albida. These results confirm the need to identify the biological processes related to the actions of introducing exotic species in order to modulate their use. And this knowledge will prevent risks and ensure the performance of afforestation including rehabilitation of degraded land., Es necesario conocer la durabilidad natural de la madera de especies de zonas aridas y semiaridas para determinar su futuro aprovechamiento. Esto permitiria reducir el uso de productos protectores. El objetivo de esta investigacion es contribuir a la mejora cualitativa de la madera de una especie lenosa comun en Argelia pero muy poco estudiada. Se trata del almacigo, Pistacia atlantica Desf., una planta vivaz, resistente y endemica capaz de vivir varios siglos adaptandose perfectamente a las severas condiciones edaficas y climaticas de su habitat. La durabilidad natural se evaluo mediante probetas normalizadas de albura y duramen de arboles procedentes de dos regiones bioclimaticas distintas del noroeste de Argelia. Las pruebas se efectuaron segun las normas europeas NE 113 (1996) y NE 350-1 (1994) que permiten evaluar la durabilidad de la madera frente a un ataque fungico. De los resultados de perdida de masa obtenidos se desprenden dos hechos particularmente interesantes: el duramen y la albura de los arboles de las dos procedencias muestran la misma durabilidad y no se observa ninguna diferencia significativa en el mismo tipo de madera entre ambas procedencias. Esta madera alcanza la categoria de altamente resistente.

International audience; Sludge reduction is one of the major challenges in biological wastewater treatment. One approach is to increase the sludge degradation yield together with the biodegradation kinetics. Among the various sludge pretreatment strategies proposed, thermal pretreatment at around 65 degrees C was described as promising. The enhancement in the biodegradation activity due to the selection of thermophilic hydrolytic bacteria was proposed, but further experiments are needed to demonstrate the specific role of these bacteria. In this study, concentrated activated sludge grown at 20 C was subjected to thermal treatment at 65 C for different periods. The originality of the work relied on a polyphasic approach based on the correlation between kinetics (chemical oxygen demand, COD; mixed liquor suspended solids, MLSS), bacterial activity (respirometry) and bacterial community structure (phylochip monitoring) in order to characterize the mechanisms involved in the thermal reduction of sludge. The bacterial activity in the aeration basin decreased to a very low level when recycling sludge was treated at 65 degrees C from 13 to 60 h, but then, started to increase after 60 h. In parallel to these fluctuations in activity, a drastic shift occurred in the bacterial community structure with the selection of thermophilic bacteria (mainly related to genera Paenibacillus and Bacillus), which are known for their specific hydrolases.

International audience; • The decline of take-all disease (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici), which may take place during wheat monocropping, involves plant-protecting, rootcolonizing microorganisms. So far, however, most work has focused on antagonistic fluorescent pseudomonads. Our objective was to assess the changes in rhizobacterial community composition during take-all decline of field-grown wheat. • The study was based on the development and utilization of a taxonomic 16S rRNA-based microarray of 575 probes, coupled with cloning–sequencing and quantitative PCR. Plots from one experimental field grown with wheat for 1 yr (low level of disease), 5 yr (high level of disease) or 10 yr (low level of disease, suppressiveness reached) were used. • Microarray data discriminated between the three stages. The outbreak stage (5 yr) was mainly characterized by the prevalence of Proteobacteria, notably Pseudomonas (Gammaproteobacteria), Nitrosospira (Betaproteobacteria), Rhizobacteriaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Phyllobacteriaceae (Alphaproteobacteria), as well as Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia. By contrast, suppressiveness (10 yr) correlated with the prevalence of a broader range of taxa, which belonged mainly to Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Nitrospira, Chloroflexi, Alphaproteobacteria (notably Azospirillum) and Firmicutes (notably Thermoanaerobacter). • In conclusion, take-all decline correlated with multiple changes in rhizobacterial community composition, far beyond the sole case of pseudomonads.

Understanding the prevalence and polymorphism of antibiotic resistance genes in soil bacteria and their potential to be transferred horizontally is required to evaluate the likelihood and ecological (and possibly clinical) consequences of the transfer of these genes from transgenic plants to soil bacteria. In this study, we combined culture-dependent and -independent approaches to study the prevalence and diversity of bla genes in soil bacteria and the potential impact that a 10-successive-year culture of the transgenic Bt176 corn, which has a bla TEM marker gene, could have had on the soil bacterial community. The bla gene encoding resistance to ampicillin belongs to the beta-lactam antibiotic family, which is widely used in medicine but is readily compromised by bacterial antibiotic resistance. Our results indicate that soil bacteria are naturally resistant to a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, including the third cephalosporin generation, which has a slightly stronger discriminating effect on soil isolates than other cephalosporins. These high resistance levels for a wide range of antibiotics are partly due to the polymorphism of bla genes, which occur frequently among soil bacteria. The bla TEM116 gene of the transgenic corn Bt176 investigated here is among those frequently found, thus reducing any risk of introducing a new bacterial resistance trait from the transgenic material. In addition, no significant differences were observed in bacterial antibiotic-resistance levels between transgenic and nontransgenic corn fields, although the bacterial populations were different.

So far, the analysis of microbial populations associated with wheat monocropping-induced decline of take-all disease ( Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici ) has focused mainly on culturable biocontrol pseudomonads. The objective of this study was to develop a taxonomic rrs (16S rRNA gene) microarray to assess the changes in Pseudomonas populations taking place during take-all decline. The microarray contains 12 probes for five Pseudomonas phylogenetic clusters chosen because they include well-known plant-beneficial pseudomonads. Four of the clusters are within the ‘ Pseudomonas fluorescens ’ species complex. PCR primers were selected to target these five clusters, and they were validated using 53 pseudomonads belonging or not to these clusters. Microarray analysis of the pseudomonads enabled discrimination between strains from several Pseudomonas clusters. Rhizosphere samples were collected from field plots grown with wheat for 1 (low level of take-all disease), 5 (high level of disease) or 10 years (low level of disease, suppressiveness reached). Microarray data could distinguish Pseudomonas populations from some of the wheat plants grown in the same plot. When comparing treatments, there was a difference between years 1 and 10. Cloning–sequencing of rrs enabled to define more precisely this difference by identifying two major Pseudomonas populations, one associated with year 1 and the other with year 10 (disease suppressiveness), which represent new clades within the ‘ P. fluorescens ’ complex. These populations may be useful as soil quality indicators. In conclusion, the combination of microarray and cloning–sequencing approaches highlighted changes in the prevalence of two major Pseudomonas populations, giving new insights on the dynamics of root-associated pseudomonads during take-all decline.