Mikania micrantha stimulates microbial functional groups in soil: A mini-review

Mikania micrantha (M. micrantha), a plant species native to Central and South America, is one of the 100 most destructive invasive species. Its rapid growth and superior competitiveness compared to other plants cause significant damage to the natural ecosystem and result in substantial economic losses. Soil plays a crucial role as a medium for plants to obtain nutrients and to exchange substances with the environment. The presence of soil microorganisms is essential for plant survival and growth. Therefore, numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the changes in soil microbial structure and soil physical and chemical properties following M. micrantha invasion. Here, we reviewed recent research on soil microorganisms of M. micrantha from three perspectives: microbial diversity, abundance, and function. We summarized that the invasion of M. micrantha leads to an increase in microbial diversity, which ultimately benefits the plant growth. Furthermore, the changes in soil nutrients contribute to an increase in the density and abundance of the microbial population. This leads to an enrichment of biological control bacteria, which helps to suppress pathogenic bacteria in the rhizosphere of M. micrantha. Additionally, the soil associated with M. micrantha has a higher diversity and abundance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, ammonifiers, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, potassium-solubilizing bacteria, and other microorganisms. As a result, the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and ammonification are improved. This review not only provide valuable insights into the soil microorganisms associated with M. micrantha but also offer future research directions and the applicability of the knowledge gained.