Analysis of Rhizosphere Microecological Differences Between Monochasma savatieri and Its Host Plant Blueberry

Rhizosphere microecology plays a key hub role in resource competition between parasitic plants and their hosts; however, the niche differentiation characteristics of the two within the parasitic interaction network remain poorly understood. In this study, the hemiparasitic plant Monochasma savatieri Franch. ex Maxim and its host plant blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) were used as research subjects to systematically analyze the differentiation characteristics of soil environmental factors and rhizosphere microorganisms within the parasitic system. The results showed that the parasitic relationship did not lead to convergence of the rhizosphere microenvironments between the two plants. The rhizosphere nutrient content of M. savatieri was significantly lower than that of its host blueberry, while soil urease (S-UE) and nitrate reductase (S-NR) activities were significantly higher. Furthermore, significant differentiation was observed in the community structure and function of rhizosphere microorganisms at the genus level. The rhizosphere of M. savatieri directionally recruited specific microbial taxa, including Pseudonocardia and Nitrospira–F, which enhanced soil nitrogen turnover. Meanwhile, pathways related to the bacterial secretion system and biofilm formation were significantly upregulated, facilitating haustorium formation and infection. In contrast, the rhizosphere of the host blueberry directionally enriched taxa such as Bradyrhizobium and Colletotrichum, activating complex pathways involved in xenobiotic degradation, energy compensation, and chemical defense. This study preliminarily elucidates the adaptive symbiotic mechanisms between M. savatieri and its host blueberry, providing a microecological basis for optimizing the artificial cultivation of M. savatieri.