Identification of bacteria community associated with earthworm gut
Aboulkacem Lemtiri1, Taofic Alabi1, Yves Brostaux2, Bernard Bodson3, Gilles Colinet4, MarieFrance Destain5, Marc Aubinet6, Michelline Vandenbol7, Daniel Portetelle7, Eric Haubruge1,
Frédéric Francis1
1
Functional and evolutionary entomology,
Unity of Applied Statistics, Computer Science and Mathematics,
3
Unit of Plant Science of the moderate Regions,
4
Department of Science and Environmental Technology, Soil Science Unit,
5
Mechanics and Construction Department,
6
Department of Science and Environmental Technology, Unit of Biosystem Physics
7
Animal and Microbial Biology Unit
2
Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech - University of Liège, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Abstract
The role of earthworms in soil fertility and transformation of organic waste was regulary cited to
be of first importance. Associated to these macro-invertebrates, a large diversity of microorgnisms are found indirectly in their closed environment or directly in their gut. Functional
aspects of these interactions and symbiosis in relation with soil characteristics and fertility rates
are poorly developed. Here, the micro-organisms diversity and potential related functions of
earthworm gut were investigated using a proteiomic approach for both protein and microorganism identifications. Microbial community investigation was detected by proteomic
approach based on bidimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry using Matrix
Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation – time of flight (Maldi-Tof). Diversity of gut associated
bacterial communities was discussed. Indeed, application of particular crop production practices
such as crop residue management at the field level could regulate the gut bacterial communities
in earthworm but also microbials in soils. Agricultural systems had to consider the microbial and
associated organisms in the soil to enhance fertlility and crop production in sustainable ways.