Comparative profiling of rhizosphere bacterial communities in male and female date palms reveals sex-associated taxonomic shifts using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing

Background and aims The rhizosphere microbiome plays a vital role in plant nutrition, health, and resilience, supporting sustainable agriculture and contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, comparative studies of rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with male and female date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) plants remain relatively limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with male and female date palm plants. Methods Rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with male and female date palm plants were investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to evaluate differences in bacterial community composition and diversity associated with plant sex. Results Across both sexes, the rhizosphere microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi, with Bacillus -related taxa prominent at lower taxonomic levels. Shannon diversity and observed features did not differ significantly between female and male samples ( p = 0.1266 and p = 0.13, respectively). In contrast, beta diversity analysis revealed no significant separation between male and female communities, indicating similar overall community structure. Although exploratory differences in relative abundance were observed for certain taxa (Bdellovibrionota, Entotheonellaeota, Planctomycetota, Micromonosporales, Thermomicrobiales, Pedosphaerales, and Chitinophagales). Conclusion Male and female date palm plants harbor broadly similar rhizosphere bacterial communities with analyzing differences in selected taxa. These preliminary observations warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes, functional approaches, and explicit consideration of reproductive stage effects, with potential implications for developing microbiome-informed strategies to enhance soil health and sustainable date palm productivity.