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ABSTRACT Seagrass restoration practices are evolving to leverage microbiome applications, similar to agricultural systems that have demonstrated how targeted microbial communities enhance crop resilience in challenging environments. While adult seagrass microbiome research has expanded significantly, research on the seed microbiome remains critically understudied. This gap is important given that seeds represent a large portion of restoration efforts. Advancing seed microbiome research requires standardized experimental systems for controlled plant–microbe interaction studies, which are currently lacking in seagrass research. Here, we tested fabricated ecosystem devices (EcoFAB 2.0) as a standardized system for growingZostera marina(eelgrass) seedlings, enabling a controlled study of aquatic plant–microbe interactions. Using these chambers, we addressed three key questions: (i) can we reliably grow eelgrass in a controlled laboratory setting, (ii) can we manipulate eelgrass microbiota assembly and its long-term trajectory, and (iii) can we detect shifts in the microbiota during plant development (host filtering)? Host morphology measurements and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were used to track microbiota assembly across three early developmental stages of the host. Because plants were grown in a sterile environment, surface sterilization of seeds (bleach and ethanol) removed epiphytes without disturbing the shared endophytic community, yet microbiota composition remained divergent at Stage 6 (143 differentially abundant ASVs), indicating that seed coat epiphytes make a lasting and distinct contribution to assembly trajectory. We also identified 26 stage-specific indicator ASVs across eelgrass development, suggesting stage-specific microbial associations during seedling establishment. This work demonstrates the potential for targeted manipulation of the microbiome in seagrass for restoration efforts.IMPORTANCEUsing the Fabricated Ecosystem 2.0 (EcoFAB 2.0), we were able to successfully control the microbial environment of eelgrass,Zostera marina, resulting in the reduction of epiphytes and maintaining low microbial diversity across plants without compromising the morphology and growth of seedlings. Our findings advance the marine plant model system,Z. marina, by identifying taxonomic indicators across life stages. This work lays the foundation for a targeted understanding and application of microbiomes for seagrass restoration, bridging the critical knowledge gap between agricultural seed microbiome success and marine restoration applications. 

ABSTRACT Novel bacterial isolates with the capabilities of lignin depolymerization, catabolism, or both, could be pertinent to lignocellulosic biofuel applications. In this study, we aimed to identify anaerobic bacteria that could address the economic challenges faced with microbial-mediated biotechnologies, such as the need for aeration and mixing. Using a consortium seeded from temperate forest soil and enriched under anoxic conditions with organosolv lignin as the sole carbon source, we successfully isolated a novel bacterium, designated 159R. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, the isolate belongs to the genus Sodalis in the family Bruguierivoracaceae . Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 6.38 Mbp and a GC content of 55 mol%. To resolve the phylogenetic position of 159R, its phylogeny was reconstructed using (i) 16S rRNA genes of its closest relatives, (ii) multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of 100 genes, (iii) 49 clusters of orthologous groups (COG) domains, and (iv) 400 conserved proteins. Isolate 159R was closely related to the deadwood associated Sodalis guild rather than the tsetse fly and other insect endosymbiont guilds. Estimated genome-sequence-based digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), genome percentage of conserved proteins (POCP), and an alignment analysis between 159R and the Sodalis clade species further supported that isolate 159R was part of the Sodalis genus and a strain of Sodalis ligni . We proposed the name Sodalis ligni str. 159R (=DSM 110549 = ATCC TSD-177). IMPORTANCE Currently, in the paper industry, paper mill pulping relies on unsustainable and costly processes to remove lignin from lignocellulosic material. A greener approach is biopulping, which uses microbes and their enzymes to break down lignin. However, there are limitations to biopulping that prevent it from outcompeting other pulping processes, such as requiring constant aeration and mixing. Anaerobic bacteria are a promising alternative source for consolidated depolymerization of lignin and its conversion to valuable by-products. We presented Sodalis ligni str. 159R and its characteristics as another example of potential mechanisms that can be developed for lignocellulosic applications. 

ABSTRACT The complete genome sequence of the gammaproteobacterial isolate Serratia quinivorans 124R consists of 5 Mb over 2 scaffolds and a G+C content of 52.85%. Genes relating to aromatic metabolism reflect its isolation on organosolv lignin as a sole carbon source under anoxic conditions as well as the potential for lignin biorefinery applications.