Xi. Biochemistry of the Plant Root Rhizosphere

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Xi. Biochemistry of the Plant Root Rhizosphere XI. BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE PLANT ROOT RHIZOSPHERE Required Readings: Wasaki, J., A. Rothe, A. Kania, G. Neumann, V. Romheld, T. Shinano, M. Osaki and E. Kandeler 2005. Root exudation, phosphorus acquisition, and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere of white lupine as affected by phosphorus supply and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Journal of Environmental Quality 34:2157–2166. Cattelan, A.J., P.G. Hartel and J.J. Fuhrmann. 1998. Bacterial composition in the rhizosphere of nodulating and non-nodulating soybean. Soil Science Society of America Journal 62:1549-1555. Herman, D.J., K.K. Johnson, C.H. Jaeger III, E. Schwartz, and M.K. Firestone. 2006. Root influence on nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in Avena barbata rhizosphere soil. Soil Science Society of America Journal 70:1504–1511. Suggested Readings: Curl, E.A. and B. Truelove. 1986. The Rhizosphere. p. 1-8, Introduction; p. 140-166, Microbial Interactions; p. 167-190, Rhizosphere in Relation to Plant Nutrition and Growth. Springer- Verlag, New York, NY, USA. Bolton, H., J.K. Fredrickson, and L.E. Elliot. 1992. Microbial ecology of the rhizosphere. p. 27- 63. In F. Blaine Metting, Jr. (Ed.), Soil Microbial Ecology. Marcel Dekker, New York, NY, USA. Interaction between the soil and plant root systems are intensely studied by soil scientists, microbiologist, and plant pathologists. Plant roots, can affect soil microorganisms, and soil microorganisms can, in turn, effect plant growth. Plant root activity of one species can also effect the health of another plant species. In 1904, Lorenz Hiltner, a professor of Agronomy at the Technical College of Munich, Germany defined rhizosphere as the specific region of soil affected by plant roots. The word, "rhizosphere" comes from rhizo or rhiza which is a Greek word for root, and sphere which denotes an environment or area of influence. Rhizoplane is more narrowly defined and describes the surface of the plant root itself along with the tightly adhering soil particles. The practical definition of rhizosphere soil is that soil which adheres to or is influenced by the root but which can be removed from the root by gentle shaking in sterile water. Rhizoplane soil is that which is obtained when the roots are transferred to a fresh sterile solution and shaken vigorously. A control or bulk soil is soil which does not adhere to the plant root and is not influenced by the root. Although the rhizosphere, obviously extends into the soil for some distance, the total volume of rhizosphere soil is difficult to assess. The rhizosphere volume can be altered by plant species, soil type, soil moisture, portion of the root being evaluated, and the method used to determine the rhizosphere volume. Eelworms have been used to measure the extent of the rhizosphere as they are highly specific in responding to stimulants produced by plants. In a wet sand, eelworm cysts were stimulated to hatch at a distance of 3 cm from the plant roots and larvae could be attracted from as far away as 4.5 cm. However, in a finer textured soil where movement of water is impeded and where large number of highly reactive surfaces are available to bind organic compound, the rhizosphere effect would not extend as far. Using electron microbeam analysis and scanning electron microscopy of soil-root surfaces, the soil rhizosphere associated with peanut or soybean roots has been estimated as being approximately 0.2 mm thick. Several interesting calculations have been made which indicate the influence of the rhizosphere in field soils may be quite extensive. For example, 25% of the total volume of the top 15 cm of a soil under an oat crop at the dough stage lies within 0.l mm of a root. For an Italian ryegrass sward, the mean distance between roots, in a horizontal plane 2 cm beneath the surface was calculated as 3 mm. To quantitate the rhizosphere effect, an R/S ratio has been used. The R/S ratio is determined by dividing the number of microorganisms (or the rate of a biochemical process) per gram of rhizosphere soil by the number of microorganisms in a g of the control soil. Since the rhizosphere effect greatly decreases as we move away from the root, it is not surprising to find that R/S ratios can be made to change simply by varying the amount of soil removed from the root during preparation of the rhizosphere soil sample. For this reason, comparison of rhizosphere effects, as determined by R/S ratios, from different laboratories must be made with care. Factors Responsible for the Rhizosphere Effect. Several factors play a role in developing the rhizosphere effect (Table 11.1). The three most important factors which alter the biochemical activity in the vicinity of the plant root are the soluble organic materials that are secreted or exuded from the plant root cells, the debris derived from the root-cap cell, dying root hairs and cortical cells, and the lysis of plant root cells. The increased availability of organic carbon in the rhizosphere provides a habitat that is highly favorable for the proliferation of microorganisms. This microbial community brings about further change by altering various chemical and biological properties of the rhizosphere. Table 11.1 - Factors Responsible for the Development of the Soil-Plant Root Rhizosphere. _________________________________________________________ Release of soluble organic compounds by plant roots Sloughed off root cell debris and dying root hairs Plant root cell lysis Higher concentration of carbon dioxide Lower concentration of oxygen Lower concentration of nutrient ions Partial desiccation of soil due to absorption of water by roots ________________________________________________________ The proportion of total photosynthate transferred to roots ranges from 30% for cereals to nearly 60% for some trees. Not all of the carbon input to the roots will be introduced to the soil as root secretions or exudates. However, at different stages of root development, growth, and decay much of the fixed carbon that is transferred to the root is eventually cycled through the rhizosphere. Measurements of the amount of carbon translocated to roots of wheat grown in Australia between seeding and flowering is approximately 1500 kg/ha. Approximately 1000 kg/ha is not retained in the root biomass but is released into the soil rhizosphere. A large percentage of the carbon in the root rhizosphere is a result of cuticle of the root being lysed or ruptured by mechanical abrasion. Histochemical tests have shown that under field conditions, the primary wall of the plant root is initially bounded externally by a thin cuticle. Mechanical action of roots forcing a passage through the soil cause mineral particles to rupture the cuticle. Lytic action of microorganisms can also cause the cuticle to rupture. The breaking of the cuticle allows the mucilage from the cells on the surface of the root to enter the soil matrix and enclose nearby soil colloids to form mucigel. A second important source of carbon in the rhizosphere is the organic material introduced as root exudate or secretion. There is a subtle difference between root exudation and secretion processes. Root exudates are low molecular weight compounds that leak from all cells either into the intracellular spaces and then into the soil or directly through the epidermal cell walls into the soil. The release of these compounds is not metabolically mediated. Secretions are compounds of both low and high molecular weight that are released from the plant root as a result of metabolic processes. Many specific compounds have been identified as being derived from plant roots, some of which (e.g. amino acids) are commonly found in most plants. Other compounds are specific to certain plant species. For example, in root-tip exudates of pea seedlings a -D-glutamyl-D-alanine and 2- alanyl-isoxozolin-5-one were detected but were not found in other legumes investigated. Specific compounds in root exudates or secretions play an important role in the infection of roots by beneficial or pathogenic microorganisms. Fungal spores will germinate near a root or, in many cases, when treated with root exudate or a specific compound in an exudate. The germination process in the rhizosphere may be very specific and occurs only in the presence of a specific host. Often, however, a nonspecific stimulation occurs. Plant roots may also produce compounds that exhibit bactericidal, fungicidal, or herbicidal activity. The term, allelopathy, was coined by Molisch in 1937 to describe this type of interaction. Allelopathy, in its broadest sense is a biochemical interaction between all types of plants, including microorganisms. Chapter IX provides a more thorough discussion of allelopathic chemicals in soil. Some of the carbon translocated to the root will be introduced to the rhizosphere as sloughed off root-cap cells. The root cell debris provides nutrients to soil microorganisms near the root tip and the zone of elongation. The amount of root cell debris contributed to the rhizosphere is difficult to assess but is considered less than the amounts introduced through lysis of plant root cells or through active secretion. Use of 14C in Rhizosphere Studies. The individual compounds within the rhizosphere which are derived from the root are present in very small quantities. This causes difficulties in their identification and assay. However, plants may be easily labelled with 14C by allowing photosynthesis to proceed in an atmosphere containing the label. The soil surrounding the root can then be extracted and the total amount of labelled carbon can be determined. Alternatively, individual compounds can be separated and determined using 14C as the tracer. Use of 14C in studies of root rhizospheres ensures (1) that all the major components in the exudate are detected, whereas in normal chemical and colorimetric tests the reagents determine the type of compound detected and (2) is sufficiently sensitive for the study of exudate from individual plants collected over short periods of time.
Recommended publications
  • The Effects of Herbicides on Microbial and Mycorrhizal Populations in Native Prairie, Corn, and Non-Native Prairie Vegetation, Using the Biolog Technique
    University of Northern Iowa UNI ScholarWorks Dissertations and Theses @ UNI Student Work 1996 The effects of herbicides on microbial and mycorrhizal populations in native prairie, corn, and non-native prairie vegetation, using the Biolog technique Susann E. Ahrabi-Fard University of Northern Iowa Let us know how access to this document benefits ouy Copyright ©1996 Susann E. Ahrabi-Fard Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd Part of the Botany Commons, and the Environmental Studies Commons Recommended Citation Ahrabi-Fard, Susann E., "The effects of herbicides on microbial and mycorrhizal populations in native prairie, corn, and non-native prairie vegetation, using the Biolog technique" (1996). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 196. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/196 This Open Access Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Work at UNI ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations and Theses @ UNI by an authorized administrator of UNI ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Copyright by SUSANN E. AHRABI-FARD May 1996 All Rights Reserved THE EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON MICROBIAL AND MYCORRHIZAL POPULATIONS IN NATIVE PRAIRIE, CORN, AND NON-NATIVE PRAIRIE VEGETATION, USING THE BIOLOG TECHNIQUE An Abstract of a Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Susann E. Ahrabi - Fard University of Northern Iowa May 1996 LIBRARY UNIVERSITY Of NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR fAllS, IOWA .· ABSTRACT Soil bioremediation has primarily focused on the use of free living, actively growing microorganisms to degrade toxic organic substances. Recently, however, plants and rhizosphere activity, including mycorrhizal fungi have been increasingly studied to determine the role that consortial assemblages may play in bioremediation.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Maize Under Biodynamic-Organic Conditions For
    Open Agriculture. 2019; 4: 322–345 Research Article W. Goldstein*, A.A. Jaradat, C. Hurburgh, L.M. Pollak, and M. Goodman Breeding maize under biodynamic-organic conditions for nutritional value and N efficiency/N2 fixation https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0030 Keywords: methionine, gametophytic incompatibility, received September 1, 2018; accepted February 12, 2019 epigenetics, isolation by environment Abstract: An overview is given for an ongoing maize breeding program that improves populations, inbreds, and hybrids in the Midwestern USA. Breeding and selection 1 Introduction occurred under biodynamic conditions in Wisconsin, on an organic winter nursery in Puerto Rico, a biodynamic winter Biodynamic and organic farming practices intend to nursery in Hawaii, and a conventional winter nursery in produce products that are healthier for the public and Chile. Emphasis is on improving protein quality, carotenoid have greater benefits for the environment. Our question content, competitiveness with weeds, nitrogen (N) has been to explore how breeding and selection under efficiency/N2 fixation, and cross incompatibility to pollen low-mineral input, biodynamic/organic conditions from genetically engineered (GE) maize. Philosophy is that might increase adaptiveness as well as nutritional value, the plant species is a responding partner in the breeding protein quality, and nutrient efficiency. This paper will process. Adaptation and selection emphasizes vigor and outline the philosophy, methods, and results of a maize yield under N limited conditions. The Ga1 and Tcb1 alleles breeding program for biodynamic/organic farmers and were utilized to induce cross incompatibility. The program describe results from a few pertinent experiments relating resulted in inbreds and hybrids with increased N efficiency to adaptation and nitrogen efficiency that have helped to and protein quality coupled with softer grain texture, more guide its efforts.
    [Show full text]
  • Colonization of Rice Rooks by Diazotroph Bacteria
    Environmental Role of Nitrogen-fixing Blue-green Algae and Asymbiotic Bacteria Ecol. Bull. (Stockholm) 26: 305-311 (1978). COLONIZATION OF RICE ROOTS BY DIAZOTROPH BACTERIA G. Diem, M. Rougier, I. Hamad-Fares, J.P. Balandreau & Y.R. Dommergues I Abstract I Colonization of roots of rice grown in agar, in sand and in soil, by diazotroph bacteria was studied by direct observations (scanning and transmission electron microscopy) and by an indirect method (assessment of loca- tion of diazotrophs along the roots through cultural methods together with Acetylene Reduction Activity - ARA - tests). Since basal rmt segments appeared to show significant ARA and to be inhabited by living diazotrophs, these microorganisms were thought to be protected against deleterious effects from the outside by barriers which are discussed. I Introduction A profuse and durable colonization of roots by diazotroph bacteria is a prerequisite for the establishment of a beneficial association between these bacteria and the host plant. Unfortunately many strains of diazotrophs (e.g. Azotobacter) known as efficient N2- fixing microorganisms are not true rhizosphere bacteria (Brown, 1974). They are unable to thrive in the rhizosphere and their decline in the root zone is probably the major cause of the failure of inoculations with diazotrophs. But recently a tight plant - diazotroph association (Spirillum lipoferum - Digitaria decumbens cv transvala) was described by Döbereiner & Day (1976). In this association S. lipoferum appeared to be localized in the cells of the cortex. The studies presented here are related to the root colonization of rice grown in the field or in gnotobiotic conditions. In this paper diazotroph bacteria which are assumed to be located in the root cortex are designated as endorhizospheric bacteria.
    [Show full text]
  • BIL 226, General Botany – Krempels Study Guide for Exam II the Root
    BIL 226, General Botany – Krempels Study Guide for Exam II The Root Know the various functions of the root. Know the meaning/significance of: primary root, taproot, lateral roots, fibrous roots. Know the general characteristics of roots and how root morphology and function can vary with environmental conditions and species. Know the basic structure of a growing root tip, and be able to identify and know the significance and function(s) of: root cap, apical meristem, ground meristem, procambium, protoderm, zone of cell division, zone of cell elongation, zone of maturation, endodermis, pericycle, Casparian strip, pith, cortex, epidermis, trichome, root hair, quiescent center, mucilage/mucigel, columella, promeristem Know the anatomy of a root in cross section, and be able to identify the layers and their function. Know the general characteristics and morphology of both V.A.M. and ectomycorrhizae. What is their relationship to the plant symbiont? Know the meaning/structure/significance of: vesicle, arbuscule, hyphae, Hartig net, cortex cell Know the three general routes of water movement across plant cells: apoplastic, symplastic, and tonoplastic. Know the general anatomy of the stele, and the different forms it can take. Know the different types of root specializations, and be able to recognize examples of them, even if you haven't heard the specific examples before. Understand the process of root colonization by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and know the meaning/significance of: nodules, leghemoglobin, infection thread, Rhizobium, crop rotation, and refer to the diagram of the Nitrogen Cycle in Lecture Six (a new link) to review the Nitrogen Cycle and its steps.
    [Show full text]
  • The Interactions of Rhizodeposits with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in the Rhizosphere: a Review
    agriculture Review The Interactions of Rhizodeposits with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in the Rhizosphere: A Review Mohammad K. Hassan * , John A. McInroy and Joseph W. Kloepper Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, CASIC Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-(334)-498-9264 Received: 2 June 2019; Accepted: 2 July 2019; Published: 4 July 2019 Abstract: Rhizodeposits, root exudates, and root border cells are vital components of the rhizosphere that significantly affect root colonization capacity and multiplication of rhizosphere microbes, as well as secretion of organic bioactive compounds. The rhizosphere is an ecological niche, in which beneficial bacteria compete with other microbiota for organic carbon compounds and interact with plants through root colonization activity to the soil. Some of these root-colonizing beneficial rhizobacteria also colonize endophytically and multiply inside plant roots. In the rhizosphere, these components contribute to complex physiological processes, including cell growth, cell differentiation, and suppression of plant pathogenic microbes. Understanding how rhizodeposits, root exudates, and root border cells interact in the rhizosphere in the presence of rhizobacterial populations is necessary to decipher their synergistic role for the improvement of plant health. This review highlights the diversity of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) genera, their functions, and the interactions with rhizodeposits in the rhizosphere. Keywords: rhizodeposits; root exudates; root border cells; PGPR; rhizosphere; organic bioactive compounds; root colonization; plant health; biological control 1. Introduction Hiltner first coined the term “rhizosphere” as the area of microbial activity around roots [1]. Pinton et al.[2] defined the rhizosphere as the volume of soil affected by exudates from plant root tissues and colonized by rhizobacteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Wilderness Ecosystems, Threats, and Management; 1999 May 23– 27; Missoula, MT
    Effects of Soil Compaction on Root and Root Hair Morphology: Implications for Campsite Rehabilitation L. Alessa C. G. Earnhart Abstract—Recreational use of wild lands can create areas, such as Soil compaction, bulk density and strength are important campsites, which may experience soil compaction and a decrease in factors affecting both shoot and root growth of plants, and vegetation cover and diversity. Plants are highly reliant on their roots growing in soil are able to respond to changes in these roots’ ability to uptake nutrients and water from soil. Any factors soil properties to some extent (Dexter 1987). Nonetheless, that affect the highly specialized root hairs (“feeder cells”) compro- plants subjected to soil compaction are more susceptible to mise the overall health and survival of the plant. We report here water stress and soil-borne diseases (Smucker and Erickson initial data in our investigation of how of soil compaction affects 1987). Furthermore, the possible reduction in plant-associ- plant roots, using the common bean as a dicot model. Soil compac- ated fungi and bacteria present in the soil combined with a tion decreases overall plant growth and causes changes in root hair retardation of root hair structure and function, may result in morphology and the F-actin cytoskeleton, critical to the function of a rapid decline of flora. Roots growing in compacted soils root hairs. In addition, rates of cytoplasmic streaming, which may also be damaged by lack of oxygen (Schumacher and facilitate nutrient and water uptake, are reduced in root hairs from Smucker 1984) and by the accumulation of toxins (Crawford compacted treatments.
    [Show full text]
  • Root-Soil Boundary Zones
    H. JENNY * K. GROSSENBACHER left, magnified view of mucilaginous re- gion at the root surface. From lower left to upper right corner: (1) large vacuole; (2) cytoplasm (dark stained); (3) plasma membrane (thin, dark line); (4) cell wall (grayish layer); (5) mucilage; and (6)black rods and larger aggregates of iron hydrox- ide particles in a large open macropore. One micron, as indicated by the bar on each micrograph, is equal to about 1/400,00Oth of an inch. Root-Soil Boundary Zones Right, view of rhizosphere; from left to right: (1) vacuole; (2) irregular band of As Seen by the cytoplasm (dark area); (3)plasma mem- brane (sharp, dark line); (4) cell wall Electron Microscope (lighter uniform band with darker boundary line on right); (5) broad region of mucilage containing a colony of bacteria; (6) iron HESE MICROGRAPHS show greatly en- particles (black) as boundary markers. larged views of the outer edges of rootT cells in contact with the soil. Of par- ticular interest is the mucigel, a jellylike coating on the outer surface of the roots. Mucigel, produced by the roots and per- haps also by microbes living in it, con- forms to the surface contour of the soil particles it touches. Thus, intimate con- tact is provided for the transfer of soil nutrient ions and water from the soil to the roots. To prepare specimens for these electron Left, boundary region between (2) cell micrographs, barley seeds were grown in wall (with dark cross bands) and (3)soil tubes filled with bentonite clay and per- particle surface, filled with mucilage and containing outlinesof (4) microbes.
    [Show full text]
  • Efficient Rhizosphere Colonization by Pseudomonas Fluorescens F113
    Environmental Microbiology (2010) 12(12), 3185–3195 doi:10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02291.x Efficient rhizosphere colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens f113 mutants unable to form biofilms on CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Digital.CSICabiotic surfacesemi_2291 3185..3195 Emma Barahona,1† Ana Navazo,1† mucigel that seems to be plant produced. Therefore, Fátima Yousef-Coronado,2 Daniel Aguirre de Cárcer,1 the ability to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces does Francisco Martínez-Granero,1 not necessarily correlates with efficient rhizosphere Manuel Espinosa-Urgel,2 Marta Martín1 and colonization or competitive colonization. Rafael Rivilla1* 1Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Introduction Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain. 2Departamento de Protección Ambiental, Estación The rhizosphere is the portion of soil that is influenced by Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain. plant roots and is characterized by harbouring a higher number of microorganisms than bulk soil (Hiltner, 1904). Numerous bacteria, generally termed rhizobacteria, are Summary adapted to this ecosystem. Rhizobacteria can affect plant Motility is a key trait for rhizosphere colonization by fitness and are also important in biotechnological applica- Pseudomonas fluorescens. Mutants with reduced tions based on integrated plant–bacteria systems. The motility are poor competitors, and hypermotile, more fluorescent pseudomonads group include several species competitive phenotypic variants are selected in the of rhizobacteria that have been used as model strains for rhizosphere. Flagellar motility is a feature associated rhizosphere colonization experiments (Lugtenberg and to planktonic, free-living single cells, and although it Dekkers, 1999; Lugtenberg et al., 2001) and for applica- is necessary for the initial steps of biofilm formation, tions such as biocontrol (Haas and Defago, 2005) and bacteria in biofilm lack flagella.
    [Show full text]
  • BIL 226, General Botany – Krempels Study Guide for Exam II the Stem
    BIL 226, General Botany – Krempels Study Guide for Exam II The Stem Know the general anatomy of the stem and its parts. Recognize the node, internode, apical bud, axillary bud, leaf axil, leaf scar. Know the locations and significance of the apical meristems, and the three primary meristems, as well as what tissues arise from each primary meristem. Recognize the anatomical structures of the monocot and dicot stems in cross sections, and their significance. What structures are different between root and stem? Know the meaning/significance/function of: lateral meristem, vascular cambium, cork cambium, secondary growth, annual growth rings, springwood, summerwood, heartwood, sapwood, determinate vs. indeterminate growth, annual versus perennial plants, true wood, herbaceous, lenticel Know the components of the bark, and be able to differentiate between bark, periderm, phloem, cork, cork cambium (and know which of these is a part of which). Know the various types of stem specializations, and be able to recognize even unfamiliar examples, if they are described. The Root Know the various functions of the root. Know the meaning/significance of: primary root, taproot, lateral roots, fibrous roots. Know the general characteristics of roots and how root morphology and function can vary with environmental conditions and species. Know the basic structure of a growing root tip, and be able to identify and know the significance and function(s) of: root cap, apical meristem, ground meristem, procambium, protoderm, zone of cell division, zone of cell elongation, zone of maturation, endodermis, pericycle, Casparian strip, pith, cortex, epidermis, trichome, root hair, quiescent center, mucilage/mucigel, columella, promeristem Know the anatomy of a root in cross section, and be able to identify the layers and their function.
    [Show full text]
  • Cereal Nitrogen Fixation
    Cereal Nitrogen Fixation International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics is a nonprofit scientific educational institute receiving support from donors through the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. Donors to I C R I S A T include governments and agencies of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, France, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, People's Republic of China, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and the following international and private organizations: Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Asian Develop- ment Bank, International Development Research Centre, International Fertilizer Development Center, International Fund for Agricultural Development, The European Economic Community, The Ford Foundation, The Leverhulme Trust, The Opec Fund for International Development, The Population Council, The Rockefeller Foundation, The World Bank, and the United Nations Development Pro- gramme. Information and conclusions in this publication do not necessarily reflect the position of the aforementioned governments, agencies, and international and private organizations. Cover: Mucigel-secreting brace roots of sorghum grown at ICRISAT Center during the rainy season. Inset shows an electron micrograph of a nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azospirillum brasilense (x 19 800). Cereal Nitrogen Fixation Proceedings o f the W o r k i n g G r o u p M e e t i n g held a t I C R I S A T Center, I n d i a , 9-12 October 1984 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India 1986 Correct citation: ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics).
    [Show full text]
  • Electron Microscopic Investigations on Root Colonization of Lupinus Albus
    Symbiosis, 17 (1994) 15-31 15 Balaban, Philadelphia/Rehovot Electron Microscopic Investigations on Root Colonization of Lupinus albus and Pisum sativum with Two Associative Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, Pseudomonas fiuorescens and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii W. WIEHE1, CH. HECHT-BUCHHOLZ2 and G. HOFLICH1 1 Zentrum fur Agrarlandschafts- und Landnutzungsforschung, Institut fur Okophysiologie der Prinuirprodukiioti, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Muncheberg, Germany 2 Humboldt-Uniuersitiit zu Berlin, Landwirtschaftlich-Gartnerische Fakultiit, Institut fur Grundlagen der Pfianzenbauwissenschaften, Fachgebiet Pfianzenerniihrung, Lentzealle 55-57, D-14195 Berlin, Germany Tel. -49 33432 82268 Fax -49 33432 82212 Received April 4, 1994; Accepted June 14, 1994 Abstract The two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Pseudomonas fiuo• rescens strain PsIA12 and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain R39, stimulated the growth of Lupinus albus more than that of Pisum sativum in greenhouse experiments. Mean root colonization with strain PsIA12 was higher than with strain R 39 (log 7.2 versus log 6.3 cfu/cmroot)- In rnonoxenic, nitrogen• free hydroponic culture the root colonization was up to ten-fold higher in lupin than in pea (mean values: log 7.1 versus log 6.5 cfu/cmroot)- Surface sterilization indicated colonization of the interior root tissues of lupin. In agreement with these results electron microscopic observations showed only poor colonization of the pea rhizoplane by single bacterial cells. In contrast, the rhizoplane and the root tip mucigel of lupin was intensively colonized by both strains. We could observe strain PsIA12 in dense colonies in the intercellular spaces of the living cortex tissue. Keywords: colonization, rhizosphere, electron microscopy, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, legumes, plant growth promotion 0334-5114/94 /$05.50 @1994 Balaban 16 W.
    [Show full text]
  • Crop Production Department/ Instructed By: Dr. Sirwa A. Qadir
    Root Physiology course/M.Sc. students/ Crop Production Department/ instructed by: Dr. Sirwa A. Qadir 1 Root Growth and Development 1.1 Root tip regions The following four regions are distinguished in a root from apex upwards. 1.1.1 Root Cap It is a cap like structure that covers the apex of the root. The main function of the root cap is to protect the root apex. The root cap is a protective cap of live parenchyma cells. It is produced by the apical meristem behind it. It protects the root meristem as it grows through the soil outermost cells are sloughed off as the root tip "pushes" through the soil. The root cap cells last 4-9 days, depending on plant species and growth rate before they become root cap cells, root cap meristem cells differentiate into: 1.1.1.1 Columella The cells of the columella a central column of cells that contain starchy amyloplasts. In response to gravity, the amyloplasts fall to the bottom of the cells, attracting hormones that promote growth in the direction of the amyloplasts. Collumella cells are also light-sensitive, and respond to pressure from soil particles, further signalling to the plant which way is down. By the time columella cells are pushed to the periphery of the root cap by other developing cells behind them, they have differentiated into peripheral root cap cells. Peripheral root cap cells secrete mucigel that is manufactured in their dictyosomes (modified Golgi apparatus). Root cap cells produce a slimy lubricant (mucilage or mucigel) it's the plant equivalent/analog of mucus hydrophilic polysaccharide (a type of pectin).
    [Show full text]