New insight to the role of microbes in the methane exchange in trees: evidence from metagenomic sequencing.

Methane (CH ) exchange in tree stems and canopies and the processes involved are among the least understood components of the global CH cycle. Recent studies have focused on quantifying tree stems as sources of CH and understanding abiotic CH emissions in plant canopies, with the role of microbial in situ CH formation receiving less attention. Moreover, despite initial reports revealing CH consumption, studies have not adequately evaluated the potential of microbial CH oxidation within trees.