Community Structure In Rhizosphere Research Articles

콩 근권의 핵심 세균 군집

Soybean is well known to be originated from Korea and far-east Asian countries, and studies of many root nodule bacteria associated with soybean have mainly-focused on nitrogen fixation, but much less study was carried out on bacterial community in the rhizosphere of soybean. In this study, we analyzed the bacterial community in rhizosphere of Korean soybean, Daepungkong using the pyrosequencing method based on the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the change of the rhizosphere community structure according to the growth stages of soybeans and to elucidate bacterial core community in rhizosphere of soybean. Our results revealed that bacterial community of rhizosphere soil differed from that of bulk soil and was composed of a total of 21 bacterial phyla. The predominant phylum in the rhizosphere of soybean was Proteobacteria (36.6-42.5%) and followed by Acidobacteria (8.6-9.4%), Bacteroidetes (6.1-10.9%), Actinobacteria (6.4-9.8%), and Firmicutes (5.7-6.3%). The bacterial core community in soybean rhizosphere was mainly composed of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria throughout all growth stages. The OT6 belonged to the genus Bradyrhizobium had the highest abundance and Steroidobacter, Streptomyces, Devosia were followed. These results show that bacterial core community in soybean rhizosphere was mainly composed of OTUs associated with plant growth promotion and nutrient cycles.

Community structure of microeukaryotes in a rice rhizosphere revealed by DNA-based PCR-DGGE

Rice roots provide a specific habitat for microorganisms in the rhizosphere of a submerged field through supply of oxygen and organic matter. Many studies have focused on the microbial community in the rice rhizosphere, but less is still known about the microeukaryotic community structure of rice rhizosphere. This study explored the microeukaryotic community structure of a rice rhizosphere through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) targeting 18S rRNA gene. The rice roots and the rhizosphere soil samples, which were collected from a field under rice-wheat rotation system, were separately analyzed. To characterize the rice rhizosphere-specific community, the bulk soil of rice field and the wheat rhizosphere samples were also examined. DGGE fingerprints showed that the microeukaryotic community of rice roots were distinct from the community of the bulk soil and showed a temporal shift with the growth stage. The rhizosphere soil community was distinct from the root and bulk soil communities, but this could be explained by that the root and bulk soil communities were shared in the rhizosphere. The rice rhizosphere community was also distinct from those in the wheat rhizosphere. Microeukaryotes that characterized the rice rhizosphere (roots and the rhizosphere soil) community could be affiliated to Polymyxa, flagellates, and oomycetes, which suggested that microeukaryotes with various ecological roles, e.g., parasites, bacterial grazers, and decomposers, inhabit the rice rhizosphere. The results showed that the rice root and its growth stages are key factors shaping the microeukaryotic community structure in the rhizosphere.

Structure and function of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial community respond differently to elevated ozone in field-planted wheat

To assess the responses of the soil microbial community to chronic ozone (O3), wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum Linn.) were planted in the field and exposed to elevated O3 (eO3) concentration. Three treatments were employed: (1) Control treatment (CK), AOT40=0; (2) O3-1, AOT40=1.59ppm•h; (3) O3-2, AOT40=9.17ppm•h. Soil samples were collected for the assessment of microbial biomass C, community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs), and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). EO3 concentration significantly reduced soil microbial carbon and changed microbial CLPPs in rhizosphere soil, but not in non-rhizosphere soil. The results of the PLFAs showed that eO3 concentrations had significant effects on soil community structure in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The relative abundances of fungal and actinomycetous indicator PLFAs decreased in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, while those of bacterial PLFAs increased. Thus the results proved that eO3 concentration significantly changed the soil microbial community function and composition, which would influence the soil nutrient supply and carbon dynamics under O3 exposure.

Nutrients, microbial community structure and functional gene abundance of rhizosphere and bulk soils of halophytes

Salt marshes occupy the transition zone between terrestrial and marine ecosystem and provide habitat for salt tolerant plant species-halophytes. Dominant halophytes such as Salicornia brachiata, Aeluropus lagopoides and Suaeda maritima play significant role in carbon sequestration, nutrient mineralization, nutrient cycling and improving micro-environment. There are scanty reports on the rhizosphere microbial communities of halophytes. Whether the rhizosphere of halophytes harbors unique microbial communities or has species specificity is yet to be established. In the present study, we have determined microbial community structure and functional genes abundance as well as major nutrients and three key enzyme activities in both rhizosphere and bulk soil of three halophytes (Salicornia, Aeluropus and Suaeda) growing on salty marsh of coastal Gujarat, India. The NH4-N and available K were significantly higher in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil in all the cases. The rhizosphere of Suaeda was characterized by significantly higher concentrations of organic carbon, total N, NH4-N and available P as compared to other two halophytes. The rhizopsheric soil had significantly higher concentrations of total PLFA, GM+ve, GM−ve and total bacterial PLFA biomarkers compared to the bulk soil. Among halophytes, significantly higher concentrations of total PLFA, GM+ve, GM−ve, total bacterial and actinomycetes biomarker PLFAs were recorded in Suaeda and Aeluropus in comparison to Salicornia. The NMS analysis of PLFA profiles revealed a significant difference in microbial community structure in Salicornia compared to Aeluropus and Suaeda. Similarly, rhizosphere microbial community structure of Salicornia was significantly different from Suaeda and Aeluropus. In rhizosphere soils, significantly higher abundance (molar%) of GM−ve, GM+ve, total bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs were observed in Aeluropus and Suaeda compared to Salicornia. Activities of β-glucosidase and urease were significantly higher in rhizosphere than in the bulk soil. The abundance of 16S rRNA, cbbL and nifH genes, detected by the quantitative RT-PCR was significantly varied among soils and halophytes. The results exhibited high bacterial diversity, abundance of CO2 and N-fixing bacteria, which can be explored further for their role in C and N cycling for sustainable agriculture and environment management.

Bacterial community structures in rhizosphere microsites of ryegrass (Lolium perenne var. Nui) as revealed by pyrosequencing

Management of soils to facilitate plant beneficial microbial interactions requires basic knowledge of the species composition and microbial community structures in the plant rhizosphere. Here, we examined composition of bacterial communities associated with rhizosphere microsites located at the root tips and mature root zones of Lolium perenne when grown in Chilean ash-derived volcanic soils (Andisols: Freire and Piedras Negras soil series). Community structures were analyzed by pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes followed by in silico analysis for phylogenetic assignments (MOTHUR and Visualization tool for Taxonomic Compositions of Microbial Community (VITCOMIC)). Analysis of the community structure revealed significant differences in community structures in relation to the soil series, which differed particularly in the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes. However, no significant differences were observed with respect to root microsite location in the same Andisol series. Predominant taxa included members of the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Analysis by VITCOMIC showed that dominant bacterial groups comprised only 5 to 10 % of the total bacterial community and the remaining majority of bacteria included low-abundant taxa (Fusobacteria, Thermotogae, Lentisphaerae, Tenericutes, Deferribacteres Spirochaetes, Planctomycetes, Thermotogae, and Deinococcus-Thermus), most of which have not been previously reported or associated with the plant rhizosphere according to GenBank database. The results indicate that most of bacteria in the Chilean Andisols have not been described to the rhizosphere plants and their functional traits are still largely unknown.

Phytomanagement of Cd-contaminated soils using maize (Zea mays L.) assisted by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Zea mays (L.) is a crop widely cultivated throughout the world and can be considered suitable for phytomanagement due to its metal resistance and energetic value. In this study, the effect of two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Ralstonia eutropha and Chryseobacterium humi, on growth and metal uptake of Z. mays plants in soils contaminated with up to 30 mg Cd kg(-1) was evaluated. Bacterial inoculation increased plant biomass up to 63% and led to a decrease of up to 81% in Cd shoot levels (4-88 mg Cd kg(-1)) and to an increase of up to 186% in accumulation in the roots (52-134 mg Cd kg(-1)). The rhizosphere community structure changed throughout the experiment and varied with different levels of Cd soil contamination, as revealed by molecular biology techniques. Z. mays plants inoculated with either of the tested strains may have potential application in a strategy of soil remediation, in particular short-term phytostabilization, coupled with biomass production for energy purposes.

Effects of organochlorines on microbial diversity and community structure in Phragmites australis rhizosphere

This study investigated the impacts of an organochlorine (OC, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane and chlorobenzenes) mixture on microbial communities associated to Phragmites australis rhizosphere. Seventy-eight distinct colony morphotypes were isolated, cultivated and analysed by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Toxicity tests confirmed sensitivity (e.g. Hevizibacter, Acidovorax) or tolerance (e.g. Bacillus, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas) of isolates. Rhizosphere analysis by pyrosequencing showed the microbial adaptation induced by OC exposure. Among the most abundant molecular operational taxonomic units, 80% appeared to be tolerant (55% opportunist, 25% unaffected) and 20% sensitive. P. australis rhizosphere exposed to OCs was dominated by phylotypes related to α-, β- and γ-Proteobacteria. Specific genera were identified which were previously described as chlorinated organic pollutant degraders: Sphingomonas sp., Pseudomonas sp., Devosia sp. and Sphingobium sp. P. australis could be suitable plants to maintain their rhizosphere active microbial population which can tolerate OCs and potentially improve the OC remediation process in part by biodegradation.

Effects of elevated O3 on microbes in the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal snap bean with different O3 sensitivity

Elevated ozone (O₃) generally affects microbial biomass and community structure in rhizosphere, but these effects are unclear in mycorrhizal plants because arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi often benefit microbial growth in the rhizosphere. Here, we investigate the effects of elevated O₃ on microbial biomass and community structure in the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with different O₃ sensitivity (R123: O₃-tolerant plant; S156: O₃-sensitive plant) based on the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) method. Compared with ambient O₃, elevated O₃ significantly decreased mycorrhizal colonization rates in the 2 genotypes, especially in S156 plants. The wet masses of shoot and root were decreased by elevated O₃ in the 2 genotypes independent of AM inoculation, but they were higher in the mycorrhizal plant than in the nonmycorrhizal plant independent of O₃ concentration. Elevated O₃ significantly decreased the relative proportion of specific fungal PLFAs in the nonmycorrhizal plant, but this effect disappeared in the mycorrhizal plant. The relative proportions of specific PLFAs of other microbial groups (Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and actinomycete) in the rhizosphere and all specific PLFAs in the hyphosphere were not affected by elevated O₃ independent of AM inoculation. In the rhizosphere of the 2 genotypes, microbial community structure was changed by AM inoculation and elevated O₃ as well as by their interaction; in the hyphosphere, however, microbial community structure was changed by elevated O₃ only in R123 plants. It is concluded that AM inoculation can offset negative effect of elevated O₃ on fungal biomass but seems to enhance shift of microbial community structure in rhizosphere under elevated O₃.

Changes in microbial communities and carbohydrate profiles induced by the mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices) in rhizosphere of olive trees (Olea europaea L.)

The influence of inoculation of olive trees with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Glomus (G) intraradices, on microbial communities and sugar concentrations, were examined in rhizosphere of olive trees (Olea europaea L.). Analyses of phospholipid and neutral lipid fatty acids (PLFA and NLFA, respectively) were then used to detect changes in microbial community structure in response to inoculation of plantlets with G. intraradices.Microscopic observations studies revealed that the extraradical mycelium of the fungus showed formation of branched absorbing structures (BAS) in rhizosphere of olive tree. Root colonization with the AM fungi G. intraradices induced significant changes in the bacterial community structure of olive tree rhizosphere compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. The largest proportional increase was found for the fatty acid 10Me18:0, which indicated an increase in the number of actinomycetes in mycorrhizal rhizosphere soil, whereas the PLFAs i15:0, a15:0, i16:0, 16:1ω7 and cy17:0 which were used as indicators of bacteria decreased in mycorrhizal treatment compared to non-mycorrhizal control treatment. A highest concentration of glucose and trehalose and a lowest concentration of fructose, galactose, sucrose, raffinose and mannitol were detected in mycorrhizal rhizosphere soil. This mycorrhizal effect on rhizosphere communities may be a consequence of changes in characteristics in the environment close to mycorrhizal roots.

Structural and functional response of the soil bacterial community to application of manure from difloxacin-treated pigs

Difloxacin (DIF) belongs to the class of fluoroquinolone antibiotics that have been intensively used for the treatment of bacterial infections in veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this field study was to compare the effect of manure from DIF-treated pigs and untreated pigs on the bacterial community structure and resistance gene abundance in bulk soil and rhizosphere of maize. A significant effect of DIF manure on the bacterial community composition in bulk soil was revealed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments amplified from total community DNA. In few samples, quinolone resistance genes qnrB and qnrS1/qnrS2 were detected by PCR and subsequent hybridization, while qnrA was not detected. Quantitative PCR revealed an increased abundance of the integrase gene intI1 of class I integrons and sulfonamide resistance genes sul1 and sul2 in DIF manure-treated bulk soil and rhizosphere, relative to 16S rRNA genes, while traN genes specific for LowGC-type plasmids were increased only in bulk soil. Principal component analysis of DGGE profiles suggested a manure effect in soil until day 28, but samples of days 71 and 140 were found close to untreated soil, indicating resilience of soil community compositions from disturbances by manure.

Intraspecies variation in cotton border cell production: Rhizosphere microbiome implications

Border cells, which separate from the root cap, can comprise >90% of carbon-based exudates released into the rhizosphere, but may not provide a general source of nutrients for soil microorganisms. Instead, this population of specialized cells appears to function in defense of the root tip by an extracellular trapping process similar to that of mammalian white blood cells. Border cell production is tightly regulated, and direct tests of their impact on crop production have been hindered by lack of intraspecies variation. • Border cell number, viability, and clumping were compared among 22 cotton cultivars. Slime layer "extracellular trap" production by border cells in response to copper chloride, an elicitor of plant defenses, was compared in two cultivars with divergent border cell production. Trapping of bacteria by border cells in these lines also was measured. • Emerging roots of some cultivars produced more than 20000 border cells per root, a 100% increase over previously reported values for this species. No differences in border cell morphology, viability, or clumping were found. Copper chloride-induced extracellular trap formation by border cells from a cultivar that produced 27921 ± 2111 cells per root was similar to that of cells from a cultivar with 10002 ± 614 cells, but bacterial trapping was reduced. • Intraspecific variation in border cell production provides a tool to measure their impact on plant development in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. Further research is needed to determine the basis for this variation, and its impact on rhizosphere community structure.

Indigenous Microbial Community Structure in Rhizosphere of Chinese Kale as Affected by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Inoculation

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been widely recognized as an important agent, especially as a biofertilizer, in agricultural systems. The objectives of this study were to select effective PGPR for Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) cultivation and to investigate the effect of their inoculation on indigenous microbial community structure. The Bacillus sp. SUT1 and Pseudomonas sp. SUT19 were selected for determining the efficiency in promoting Chinese kale growth in both pot and field experiments. In the field experiment, PGPR amended with compost gave the highest yields among all treatments. The Chinese kale growth promotion may be directly affected by PGPR inoculation. The changes of microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of Chinese kale following PGPR inoculation were examined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and principal coordinate analysis. The DGGE fingerprints of 16S rDNA amplified from total community DNA in the rhizosphere confirmed that our isolates were established in the rhizosphere throughout this study. The microbial community structures were slightly different among all the treatments, and the major changes depended on stages of plant growth. DNA sequencing of excised DGGE bands showed that the dominant species in microbial community structure in the rhizosphere were not mainly interfered by PGPR, but strongly influenced by plant development. The microbial diversity as revealed by diversity indices was not different between the PGPR-inoculated and uninoculated treatments. In addition, the rhizosphere soil had more influence on eubacterial diversity, whereas it did not affect archaebacterial and fungal diversities.

Bacterial community response to petroleum contamination and nutrient addition in sediments from a temperate salt marsh

Microbial communities play an important role in the biodegradation of organic pollutants in sediments, including hydrocarbons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of temperate salt marsh microbial communities to petroleum contamination, in terms of community structure, abundance and capacity to degrade hydrocarbons. Sediments un-colonized and colonized (rhizosediments) by Juncus maritimus, Phragmites australis and Triglochin striata were collected in a temperate estuary (Lima, NW Portugal), spiked with petroleum under variable nutritional conditions, and incubated for 15days. Results showed that plant speciation emerged as the major factor for shaping the rhizosphere community structure, overriding the petroleum influence. Moreover, when exposed to petroleum contamination, the distinct salt marsh microbial communities responded similarly with (i) increased abundance, (ii) changes in structure, and (iii) decreased diversity. Communities, particularly those associated to J. maritimus and P. australis roots displayed a potential to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, with degradation percentages between 15% and 41%, depending on sediment type and nutritional conditions. In conclusion, distinct salt marsh microbial communities responded similarly to petroleum contamination, but presented different pace, nutritional requirements, and potential for its biodegradation, which should be taken into account when developing bioremediation strategies.

Using Phospholipid Fatty Acid Technique to Analysis the Rhizosphere Specific Microbial Community of Seven Hybrid Rice Cultivars

To analyze the intrinsic relationship between rhizosphere microbial community structure and variety of rice, the microbial community structures in rhizosphere of different hybrid rice cultivars were determined with phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis. Three series of new-breeding hybrid rice cultivars in China were tested in the experiment, IIyouming 86 (II-32A/Minghui 86), IIyouhang 1 (II-32A/Hang 1), and IIyouhang 2 (II-32A/Hang 2) with II-32A as female parent, XinyouHK02 (XinA/HK02) and YiyouHK02 (YXA/HK02) with HK02 as male parent, Chuanyou 167 (ChuanxiangA/MR167) and 44you167 (Hunan44A/MR167) with MR167 as male parent. The results showed that the microbial community in rhizosphere of the hybrid rice comprised bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and protozoa, according to the 40 PLFA biomarkers detected. Bacteria were more abundant than fungi and actinomycetes in rhizosphere of the hybrid rice tested. Both sulfate-reducing and methane-oxidizing bacteria were found to exist in the hybrid rice rhizosphere. It was also found that the characteristics of PLFA biomarkers had correlation with the biological traits of rice. The cluster analysis suggested that microbial community structure and activity in rhizosphere were associated with genetic background of the rice cultivar.

Response of rhizobacterial communities in watermelon to infection with cucumber green mottle mosaic virus as revealed by cultivation-dependent RISA

We investigated the rhizobacterial densities and community structure in watermelon rhizosphere under the infection of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) by artificial inoculation. Rhizobacterial densities and communities were analysed from healthy and infected plants under aerobic and anaerobic culture techniques. The highest total number of aerobic rhizobacteria was counted to be 2.7 × 108 colony forming units per gram (CFU · g−1) and anaerobic rhizobacteria was to be 3.2 × 106 CFU · g−1, in healthy and infected plants, respectively. Cultivation-dependent ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) was employed for further analysis on the rhizobacterial community structure. By incorporating the relative abundance of amplicons, the per cent similarity was determined by the similarity coefficients based only upon the absence or presence of DNA bands. The cluster analysis of RISA showed that the community structure of aerobic rhizobacteria exhibited 60% similarity between healthy and infected plant. The highest community structure similarity (50% similarity) of anaerobic rhizobacteria occurred between before planting and infected plant.

Reducing the allelopathic effect of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Pseudomonas putida

The present study evaluates the role of Pseudomonasputida NBRIC19 in alleviating biotic stress of Partheniumhysterophorus (Parthenium) in Triticumaestivum. Due to presence of Parthenium there was 43.76, 53.08 and 78.65% inhibition in root length, shoot length and dry weight of wheat respectively. This inhibition was recovered when P. putida NBRIC19 treatment resulted in 52.29, 28.73 and 76.31% increase in root length, shoot length and dry weight respectively as compared to control. P. putida NBRIC19 was able to form more biofilm under toxic environment of allelochemicals and enhanced expression of stress responsive genes in wheat. Inoculated wheat plants showed lower activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase under biotic stress of Parthenium indicating that inoculated plants felt less stress as compared to uninoculated plants. Microbial community structure in bacterized and nonbacterized wheat rhizosphere in presence and absence of Parthenium, was investigated using Biolog. There was significant increase in microbial diversity in P. putida NBRIC19 bacterized wheat rhizosphere. Functional microbial diversity revealed that P. putida NBRIC19 had shifted the microflora in such a manner that utilization of phytotoxic allelochemicals increased to lessen its toxic effect and finally it resulted in better growth of wheat in presence of Parthenium. Principal component analysis showed that microbial community function in nonbacterized wheat rhizosphere in presence (WPC) and absence (WC) of Parthenium is totally different from each other but due to P. putida NBRIC19 treatment there was close clustering of WPT and WT indicating a total shift in microbial community structure.

Rhizosphere soil microorganism populations and community structures of different watermelon cultivars with differing resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum

Fusarium wilt is an increasingly serious disease of watermelon that reduces crop productivity. Changes in microorganism populations and bacterial and fungal community structures in rhizosphere soil of watermelon cultivars resistant or susceptible to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum were investigated using a plate culture method and PCR-DGGE analysis. Plate culture showed that populations of culturable bacteria and actinomycetes were more abundant in the rhizosphere of the resistant watermelon cultivar than the susceptible cultivar, but the fungi population had the opposite pattern. Populations of Penicillium , Fusarium , and Aspergillus were significantly lower in the resistant cultivar than the susceptible cultivar at the fruiting and uprooting stages (p< 0.05). Pattern matching analysis generated the dendrogram of the DGGE results indicating the relatedness of the different resistant watermelon cultivars and their corresponding rhizosphere microbial communities. Further sequencing analysis of specific bands from DGGE profiles indicated that different groups of bacteria and fungi occurred in the rhizosphere of different watermelon cultivars. Our results demonstrated that plant genotype had a significant impact on soil microbial community structure, and the differences in the rhizosphere microbial community may contribute to the differences in resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum.

The influence of tillage on the structure of rhizosphere and root-associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities

Soil environmental factors affect the structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities present in soil. However, it is not understood to which degree management practices such as tillage lead to dissimilarities between intra- and extraradical AM fungal communities. This study aims to assess the influence of two different soil management practices (conventional tillage and no-till) on the diversity of AMF communities, both in rhizosphere soil and inside corn roots. We hypothesized that under no-till, roots are colonized as they grow through the undisturbed fungal mycelia left from the previous crop whereas under conventional tillage they are colonized by those propagules that survived disturbance and can re-establish in their new relocated and mixed environment. We predicted that the degree of similarity of AM fungal communities inside versus outside the roots would be greater under no-till than under tillage. Using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis we observed a different AM fungal community present in roots under no-till than under conventional tillage. Moreover, the communities present in the rhizosphere soil were different than in the roots of the corn plants. These results suggest that soil management does alter the diversity of AM fungal communities associated with corn roots and that plants influence the structure of the AMF community colonizing their roots. Sequencing results indicated that the majority of AMF species found in this agricultural soil was Glomus spp. However, further work is required to determine the extent to which AM fungal genotypic alterations by soil management influences competitive relationships.

Effects of genetically modified starch metabolism in potato plants on photosynthate fluxes into the rhizosphere and on microbial degraders of root exudates

A high percentage of photosynthetically assimilated carbon is released into soil via root exudates, which are acknowledged as the most important factor for the development of microbial rhizosphere communities. As quality and quantity of root exudates are dependent on plant genotype, the genetic engineering of plants might also influence carbon partitioning within the plant and thus microbial rhizosphere community structure. In this study, the carbon allocation patterns within the plant-rhizosphere system of a genetically modified amylopectin-accumulating potato line (Solanum tuberosum L.) were linked to microbial degraders of root exudates under greenhouse conditions, using (13)C-CO(2) pulse-chase labelling in combination with phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. In addition, GM plants were compared with the parental cultivar as well as a second potato cultivar obtained by classical breeding. Rhizosphere samples were obtained during young leaf developmental and flowering stages. (13)C allocation in aboveground plant biomass, water-extractable organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and PLFA as well as the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere varied significantly between the natural potato cultivars. However, no differences between the GM line and its parental cultivar were observed. Besides the considerable impact of plant cultivar, the plant developmental stage affected carbon partitioning via the plant into the rhizosphere and, subsequently, microbial communities involved in the transformation of root exudates.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant biomass and the rhizosphere microbial community structure of mesquite grown in acidic lead/zinc mine tailings

Mine tailings in arid and semi-arid environments are barren of vegetation and subject to eolian dispersion and water erosion. Revegetation is a cost-effective strategy to reduce erosion processes and has wide public acceptance. A major cost of revegetation is the addition of amendments, such as compost, to allow plant establishment. In this paper we explore whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can help support plant growth in tailings at a reduced compost concentration. A greenhouse experiment was performed to determine the effects of three AMF inocula on biomass, shoot accumulation of heavy metals, and changes in the rhizosphere microbial community structure of the native plant Prosopis juliflora (mesquite). Plants were grown in an acidic lead/zinc mine tailings amended with 10% (w/w) compost amendment, which is slightly sub-optimal for plant growth in these tailings. After two months, AMF-inoculated plants showed increased dry biomass and root length ( p < 0.05) and effective AMF colonization compared to controls grown in uninoculated compost-amended tailings. Mesquite shoot tissue lead and zinc concentrations did not exceed domestic animal toxicity limits regardless of whether AMF inoculation was used. The rhizosphere microbial community structure was assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles of the small subunit RNA gene for bacteria and fungi. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of DGGE profiles showed that the rhizosphere fungal community structure at the end of the experiment was significantly different from the community structure in the tailings, compost, and AMF inocula prior to planting. Further, CCA showed that AMF inoculation significantly influenced the development of both the fungal and bacterial rhizosphere community structures after two months. The changes observed in the rhizosphere microbial community structure may be either a direct effect of the AMF inocula, caused by changes in plant physiology induced by AMF, or a combination of both mechanisms.