Pea Roots Research Articles

Effect of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine on activity of adenylate cyclase signal system components and virulence of bacterial phytopathogens and mutualists

The effect of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, negative allelochemical isolated from the exudates of roots of pea (Pisum sativum L.), on the growth and activity of the adenylate cyclase signal system and virulence factors of the bacteria Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae and Pseudomonas siringae pv. pisi was studied. It was demonstrated that N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine at a physiological concentration nonspecifically inhibited the growth of these bacteria in both planktonic cultures and biofilms. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the reduction of intra- and extracellular concentrations of cAMP due to greater activation of phosphodiesterase, which disrupts cAMP, in comparison to soluble adenylyl cyclase, which synthesizes it. At the same time, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine did not affect activity of either membrane-bound adenylyl cyclase or bacterial virulence factors.

Impact of direct and indirect application of rising furfural concentrations on viability, infectivity and reproduction of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in Pisum sativum

The gradual withdraw of several broadly used nematicides from market has enhanced the need to develop sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives with nematicidal properties. Furfural is one of the promising alternatives to fill this need. Baseline information about the impact of furfural on egg hatch, penetration potential and ultrastructure of nematode is lacking. In this study, the reagent-grade (purity ≥ 99.0%) of furfural was applied against Meloidogyne incognita. In vitro tests showed gradual reduction in either the rate of egg hatch or second stage juvenile (J2) viability of M. incognita when immersed in concentrations ranging from 0 to 10.0 μl/ml furfural. The mean EC50 for J2 and egg hatch was 0.37 and 0.27 μl/ml furfural, respectively. Furfural, even at low concentrations, resulted in a considerable suppression in egg hatch. Hatch was <5% after 8 days at 0.63 μl/ml furfural. The same furfural concentrations after 12 h caused 57.25% loss of viability in J2. Moreover, the penetration rate of juveniles to pea roots was suppressed when furfural was even applied at low rates. In pot experiments, furfural was applied as liquid (direct) or vapor (indirect) treatments at rates of 0–1.5 ml/kg soil. Significant reduction in galling, egg production and population density of M. incognita observed when furfural was applied at rates >0.2 ml/kg soil. No adverse effect was detected on plants or free-living nematodes as a result of furfural application. Liquid furfural proved to have superior juvenile-suppressive effect whereas its vapor has such superiority against eggs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) study showed irregular appearance of the body surface accompanied with some cuticle disfigurement of furfural-treated juveniles. These results indicated that furfural can adversely affect egg hatch, juvenile viability, penetration potential and ultrastructure of M. incognita. Furfural may therefore be of a considerable potential as an appropriate alternative for class I nematicides.

Gravitropic response and circumnutation in pea (Pisum sativum) seedling roots.

Plant circumnutation is a helical movement of growing organs such as shoots and roots. Gravitropic response is hypothesized to act as an external oscillator in shoot circumnutation, although this is subject to debate. The relationship between circumnutational movement and gravitropic response in roots remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed circumnutation of agravitropic roots using the ageotropum pea (Pisum sativum) mutant, and compared it with that of wild-type (cv. Alaska) pea roots. We further examined the relationship of gravitropic response to circumnutation of Alaska seedling roots by removing the gravisensing tissue (the root cap) and by treating the roots with auxin transport inhibitors. Alaska roots displayed circumnutational movements with a period of approximately 150 min, whereas ageotropum roots did not exhibit distinct circumnutational movement. Removal of the root cap in Alaska roots reduced gravitropic response and circumnutational movements. Treatment of Alaska roots with auxin transport inhibitors, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) and N-(1-naphthyl)phthalamic acid (NPA), dramatically reduced gravitropic response and circumnutational movements. These results suggest that a gravity-regulated auxin transport is involved in circumnutation of pea seedling roots.

Influence of Glomus–Rhizobium Symbiosis on Productivity, Root Morphology and Soil Fertility in Garden Pea in Himalayan Acid Alfisol

ABSTRACTThe influence of dual inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium was assessed on garden pea productivity, root morphology and soil fertility during 2011–2012 at Palampur, India, in a medium phosphorus (P) acid Alfisol. Field experimentation comprised 13 treatments involving Rhizobium, AMF and inorganic fertilizers in (RBD) replicated thrice. The dual inoculation of Rhizobium and AMF exhibited nominal effect on pea pod length, pod girth and number of seeds per pod. However, average pod weight (APW) and productivity increased by 14.1 and 20% following dual inoculation, respectively, over generalized recommended nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) dose general recommended dose (GRD). Dual inoculation of pea seed with both symbionts sharply increased the root volume (RV), root dry weight (RDW), root weight density (RWD) and root nodules per plant by 34.5, 13.3, 13 and 44%, respectively. Similarly, the highest AMF root colonization was registered under dual-inoculated plots compared to sole application of Rhizobium or AMF. Different treatments including dual-inoculated ones did not alter the soil organic carbon (SOC), available N, K and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable micronutrients iron, zinc, copper and manganese (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) status significantly; however, a nominal buildup in the above-mentioned parameters was registered under dual inoculation. Available P status increased to the tune of 6.7 and 8.7% following dual inoculation with Rhizobium and AMF over their respective sole inoculations. Overall, the current study suggests that Glomus–Rhizobium symbiosis has great potential in enhancing productivity through better proliferation of the root system and improved soil fertility status. Furthermore, dual inoculation of AMF and Rhizobium can save up to 25% fertilizer N and P in garden pea in acid Alfisol of the northwestern Himalayas (NWH).

Salicylhydroxamic acid enhances the NADH-oxidase activity of peroxidase in pea mitochondrial and chloroplast suspensions

Salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), an alternative oxidase inhibitor of plant mitochondria, enhances the NADH-oxidase activity in mitochondrial and chloroplast suspensions obtained from pea roots or leaves, respectively. This reaction is inhibited by the washing of mitochondria or chloroplasts and is observed in supernatants after the removal of the organelles by centrifugation. The reaction is sensitive to CN– and to antioxidant propyl gallate. The NADH oxidation is also enhanced by 2,4-dichlorophenol or phenol, but not salicylic acid. The acceleration of NADH oxidation by phenolic compounds is observed with presence of commercial horseradish peroxidase and is connected with the involvement of these compounds in NADH-dependent peroxidase reaction. SHAM and 2,4-dichlorophenol significantly enhance the destruction of nuclei in guard cells of pea leaf epidermis caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species during the oxidation of exogenous NADH by apoplastic peroxidase.

Multilocus phylogeny reveals an association of agriculturally important Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) 11, and clinically important FSSC 5 and FSSC 3 + 4 with soybean roots in the north central United States.

The Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) includes important root pathogens of soybean in the United States, but the evolutionary lineages associated with soybean root rot are unknown. A multilocus phylogeny based on 93 isolates from soybean and pea roots from North Dakota and Minnesota revealed that root rot was associated with three known phylogenetic species, FSSC 3 + 4 (=Fusarium falciforme) (3 % of isolates), FSSC 5 (60 %), FSSC 11 (34 %), and one unknown species, FSSC X (2 %). Of these species FSSC 5 and FSSC 3 + 4 are clinically important while FSSC 11 is a plant pathogen. Isolates from FSSC 11 were pathogenic on soybean, dry bean, pea and lentil, and did not grow at 37 °C. However, isolates from FSSC 5 were weakly to non-pathogenic, but grew at 37 °C. Isolates from both FSSC 5 and FSSC 11 were highly resistant to fludioxonil in vitro. This is the first study revealing the pathogenic robustness of FSSC 11 in causing root rot among Fabaceae crops and also the association of clinically important members of the FSSC with roots of a widely grown field crop in the United States.

Common and divergent shoot-root signalling in legume symbioses.

The role of shoot-root signals in the control of nodulation and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) development were examined in the divergent legume species pea and blue lupin. These species were chosen as pea can host both symbionts, whereas lupin can nodulate but has lost the ability to form AM. Intergeneric grafts between lupin and pea enabled examination of key long-distance signals in these symbioses. The role of strigolactones, auxin and elements of the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway were investigated. Grafting studies were combined with loss-of-function mutants to monitor symbioses (nodulation, AM) and hormone effects (levels, gene expression and application studies). Lupin shoots suppress AM colonization in pea roots, in part by downregulating strigolactone exudation involving reduced expression of the strigolactone biosynthesis gene PsCCD8. By contrast, lupin shoots enhance pea nodulation, independently of strigolactones, possibly due to a partial incompatibility in AON shoot-root signalling between pea and lupin. This study highlights that nodulation and AM symbioses can be regulated independently and this may be due to long-distance signals, a phenomenon we were able to uncover by working with divergent legumes. We also identify a role for strigolactone exudation in determining the status of non-AM hosts.

Rapid activation of catalase followed by citrate efflux effectively improves aluminum tolerance in the roots of chick pea (Cicer arietinum).

The present study demonstrates the comparative response of two contrasting genotypes (aluminum (Al) tolerant and Al sensitive) of chick pea (Cicer arietinum) against Al stress. The Al-tolerant genotype (RSG 974) showed lesser inhibition of root growth as well as lower oxidative damages, measured in terms of the accumulation of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation compared to the Al-sensitive genotype (RSG 945). The accumulation of Al by roots of both genotypes was almost equal at 96 and 144 h after Al treatment; however, it was higher in Al-tolerant than Al-sensitive genotype at 48 h after Al treatment. Further, the Al-mediated induction of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in Al-tolerant than Al-sensitive genotype. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was almost similar in both genotypes. Al treatment promptly activated catalase activity in Al-tolerant genotype, and it was remarkably higher than that of Al-sensitive genotype. As another important Al detoxification mechanism, citrate efflux was almost equal in both genotypes except at 1000 μM Al treatment for 96 and 144 h. Further, citrate carrier and anion channel inhibitor experiment confirmed the contribution of citrate efflux in conferring Al tolerance in Al-tolerant genotype. Based on the available data, the present study concludes that rapid activation of catalase (also SOD) activity followed by citrate efflux effectively improves Al tolerance in chick pea.

Both foliar and residual applications of herbicides that inhibit amino acid biosynthesis induce alternative respiration and aerobic fermentation in pea roots.

The objective of this work was to ascertain whether there is a general pattern of carbon allocation and utilisation in plants following herbicide supply, independent of the site of application: sprayed on leaves or supplied to nutrient solution. The herbicides studied were the amino acid biosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides (ABIH): glyphosate, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, and imazamox, an inhibitor of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. All treated plants showed impaired carbon metabolism; carbohydrate accumulation was detected in both leaves and roots of the treated plants. The accumulation in roots was due to lack of use of available sugars as growth was arrested, which elicited soluble carbohydrate accumulation in the leaves due to a decrease in sink strength. Under aerobic conditions, ethanol fermentative metabolism was enhanced in roots of the treated plants. This fermentative response was not related to a change in total respiration rates or cytochrome respiratory capacity, but an increase in alternative oxidase capacity was detected. Pyruvate accumulation was detected after most of the herbicide treatments. These results demonstrate that both ABIH induce the less-efficient, ATP-producing pathways, namely fermentation and alternative respiration, by increasing the key metabolite, pyruvate. The plant response was similar not only for the two ABIH but also after foliar or residual application.

Proteomic analysis of cycloheximide influence on pea roots

Soluble proteins from roots of pea exposed to 10 μM cycloheximide (CH) during 72 h were analyzed using a proteomic method. Thirty-three proteins were found to be down regulated by CH. Unexpectedly, the contents of almost 29 proteins were increased in CH treated roots. It might be the first found fact of not only inhibition but also activation of protein accumulation in eucaryotic cells under the influence of CH. The largest part of the identified CH-induced proteins was involved in the phenylpropanoid antipathogen metabolism (enzymes of phytoalexins and lignin synthesis). Our study allowed us to reveal a new CH phenomenon—accumulation of enzymes involved in defense metabolism. The mechanism of this unusual phenomenon is unknown and its elucidation is the task of future study.

Biochemical mechanisms of induced resistance by rhizobial lipopolysaccharide in pea against crenate broomrape

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) isolated from rhizobia have been demonstrated as inducer of systemic resistance against plant diseases. The role of bacterial LPS in induced resistance in plant has not been extensively reported. The capacity of Rhizobium leguminosarum Mabrouk et al. 2007 strain P.SOM to reduce parasitism of pea by Orobanche crenata Mabrouk et al. 2007 was previously demonstrated under greenhouse and field trials. The objective of this study was to examine the capacity of LPS isolated from strain P.SOM to induce resistance in pea against crenate broomrape, with more emphasis on the biochemical mechanisms of host plant defense reaction induced by LPS. Root chamber experiments using Petri dishes revealed that LPS reduce broomrape seed germination and restricted the broomrape attachment to the host root as well as retarded tubercle formation and development. In pot experiments, pea roots treatment with LPS reduced the total number of broomrape by up to 95 %. No biomass reduction of pea was observed after application of LPS. Broomrape necrosis was observed both before and after parasite attachment to treated pea roots in Petri dishes and pots experiments. Concomitantly, reduction in infection was accompanied by enhanced phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase activities. As a consequence, the derived products, phenolics, and pisatin accumulated in response to LPS and conferred mechanical and chemical barriers to the invading parasite. Our findings indicate an important role for LPS as a direct inducer of defenses in pea against broomrape.

Protein import into isolated pea root leucoplasts.

Leucoplasts are important organelles for the synthesis and storage of starch, lipids and proteins. However, molecular mechanism of protein import into leucoplasts and how it differs from that of import into chloroplasts remain unknown. We used pea seedlings for both chloroplast and leucoplast isolations to compare within the same species. We further optimized the isolation and import conditions to improve import efficiency and to permit a quantitative comparison between the two plastid types. The authenticity of the import was verified using a mitochondrial precursor protein. Our results show that, when normalized to Toc75, most translocon proteins are less abundant in leucoplasts than in chloroplasts. A precursor shown to prefer the receptor Toc132 indeed had relatively more similar import efficiencies between chloroplasts and leucoplasts compared to precursors that prefer Toc159. Furthermore we found two precursors that exhibited very high import efficiency into leucoplasts. Their transit peptides may be candidates for delivering transgenic proteins into leucoplasts and for analyzing motifs important for leucoplast import.

Highly Potent Extracts from Pea (Pisum sativum) and Maize (Zea mays) Roots Can Be Used to Induce Quiescence in Entomopathogenic Nematodes.

Root exudates can play an important role in plant-nematode interactions. Recent studies have shown that the root cap exudates obtained from several plant species trigger a state of dormancy or quiescence in various genera of nematodes. This phenomenon is not only of fundamental ecological interest, but also has application potential if the plant-produced compound(s) could be used to control harmful nematodes or help to prolong the shelf-life of beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The identification of the compound(s) involved in quiescence induction has proven to be a major challenge and requires large amounts of active material. Here, we present a high-throughput method to obtain bioactive root extracts from flash-frozen root caps of green pea and maize. The root cap extract obtained via this method was considerably more potent in inducing quiescence than exudate obtained by a previously used method, and consistently induced quiescence in the EPN Heterorhabditis megidis, even after a 30-fold dilution. Extracts obtained from the rest of the root were equally effective in inducing quiescence. Infective juveniles (IJs) of H. megidis exposed to these extracts readily recovered from their quiescent state as soon as they were placed in moist soil, and they were at least as infectious as the IJs that had been stored in water. Excessive exposure of IJs to air interfered with the triggering of quiescence. The implications of these results and the next steps towards identification of the quiescence-inducing compound(s) are discussed from the perspective of applying EPN against soil-dwelling insect pests.

Deciphering common and specific transcriptional immune responses in pea towards the oomycete pathogens Aphanomyces euteiches and Phytophthora pisi.

BackgroundRoot rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches is one of the most destructive pea diseases while a distantly related species P. pisi has been recently described as the agent of pea and faba bean root rot. These two oomycete pathogens with different pathogenicity factor repertories have both evolved specific mechanisms to infect pea. However, little is known about the genes and mechanisms of defence against these pathogens in pea. In the present study, the transcriptomic response of pea to these two pathogens was investigated at two time points during early phase of infection using a Medicago truncatula microarray.ResultsOf the 37,976 genes analysed, 574 and 817 were differentially expressed in response to A. euteiches at 6 hpi and 20 hpi, respectively, while 544 and 611 genes were differentially regulated against P. pisi at 6 hpi and 20 hpi, respectively. Differentially expressed genes associated with plant immunity responses were involved in cell wall reinforcement, hormonal signalling and phenylpropanoid metabolism. Activation of cell wall modification, regulation of jasmonic acid biosynthesis and induction of ethylene signalling pathway were among the common transcriptional responses to both of these oomycetes. However, induction of chalcone synthesis and the auxin pathway were specific transcriptional changes against A. euteiches.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate a global view of differentially expressed pea genes during compatible interactions with P. pisi and A. euteiches at an early phase of infection. The results suggest that distinct signalling pathways are triggered in pea by these two pathogens that lead to common and specific immune mechanisms in response to these two oomycetes. The generated knowledge may eventually be used in breeding pea varieties with resistance against root rot disease.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1829-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Influence of pea root traits modulating soil bioavailable C and N effects upon ammonification activity

Plant functional traits are useful tools for understanding plant impacts on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization. The objective of this study was to examine the root traits that govern the influence of Pisum sativum L. on potential protease and ammonification activities, which are two key microbial activities involved in N mineralization. Ammonification activity was greater during pea reproductive than vegetative stages, whereas potential protease activity did not vary along pea development. Ammonification activity was more strongly affected by root architecture traits (total root length and percentage of fine roots) than by root growth traits (root dry matter content). Pea root traits appear to affect ammonification activity in a complex manner involving variations in rhizodeposition that modulate carbon and N availability for soil microorganisms.

Identification and characterization of Fusarium spp. associated with root rots of field pea in North Dakota

Root rots are a major concern in field pea production in North Dakota. However, it is unclear which pathogens are involved in causing these diseases. This report brings together findings from surveys conducted over four years (2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009). The 2004 and 2005 surveys were mainly aimed at establishing the importance of pea root rot in North Dakota and providing an indication of the most prevalent root rot pathogens. The 2008 and 2009 surveys involved thorough evaluation of root rot incidence and severity, and included isolations and characterization of Fusarium species associated with the root rots. Greater mean root rot incidence and severity were observed in 2009 compared to three previous years. Fusarium species were the most frequently isolated fungal species from infected pea roots, of which F. oxysporum (66.7 and 94.7 % of the fields) and F. avenaceum (71.8 and 89.5 % of the fields) were most commonly isolated in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Pathogenicity tests showed that all nine Fusarium species isolated from symptomatic roots were capable of causing root rot of pea, and isolates of F. avenaceum were the most virulent at causing root rot. Significant differences in virulence were observed among F. avenaceum isolates. The prevalence of F. avenaceum on roots of field peas, and the ability of isolates of this species to cause severe root rot, emphasizes the possibility of this pathogen to emerge as a potential risk under the current cropping practices for pulse crops in North Dakota, and potentially in other regions with similar growing conditions.

Deep eutectic solvent-based microwave-assisted extraction of genistin, genistein and apigenin from pigeon pea roots

The purpose of the study was to develop a new deep eutectic solvent-based microwave-assisted extraction (DES-MAE) method for extracting the three major active compounds genistin, genistein and apigenin from pigeon pea roots. Optimal conditions for DES-MAE, proposed by the single factor and the Box-Behnken design (BBD) tests, were 30% of water in 1,6-hexanediol/ChCl (7:1, mol/mol) as the extraction solvent, microwave power 600W, liquid/solid ratio 14mL/g, temperature 80°C and time 11min. The yields of genistin, genistein and apigenin reached 0.449, 0.617 and 0.221mg/g DW, respectively. The kinetics experiment showed the prominent advantages of DES-MAE such as higher extraction efficiency than other extraction methods. The present results showed that DES could be a kind of green solvent for fast and efficient extraction of the active ingredients from plant materials.

Pectins esterification in the apoplast of aluminum-treated pea root nodules

Aiming to elucidate the possible involvement of pectins in aluminum-mediated growth inhibition the distribution of pectins in the apoplast of root nodules was investigated. Experiments were performed on the pea (Pisum sativum L.) root nodules treated with aluminum (50μM AlCl3, for 2 or 24h). For histochemical acidic pectin localization we used ruthenium red staining. Immunolabeling techniques with monoclonal antibodies specific to high methyl-esterified pectin (JIM7), low methyl-esterified pectin (JIM5) and calcium cross-linked pectin (2F4) were used to re-examine the pattern of pectin esterification and distribution. After immunolabeling the samples were observed using a fluorescent and transmission electron microscope.Ruthenium red staining showed that acid pectin content increased in the apoplast of Al-treated nodules and immunolocalization of pectin epitopes revealed that the fraction of de-esterified pectins increased significantly under Al stress. JIM5 and 2F4 epitopes were located on the inner surface of the primary cell wall with higher intensity at cell corners lining the intercellular spaces and at infection threads (ITs) walls. By contrast, JIM 7 labels all walls uniformly throughout the nodule. In the presence of Al, the increase of JIM5 and 2F4 labeling in thick plant and IT walls, together with a decrease of JIM7 labeling was observed.These results indicate a specific role for pectin de-esterification in the process of wall thickening and growth inhibition. In particular, Al-dependent increase in pectin content and their low methyl esterification degree correlate with wall thickness and higher rigidity, and in this way, may affect IT and nodules growth.

English

Soil fertilization and the management of green manure are needed to maintain and increase the soil fertility of Cerrado. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of nutrients in the shoots and roots of pigeon pea that was fertilized with phosphorus sources that are associated with liming in Cerrado Oxisol. This study was conducted in a greenhouse with a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial arrangement with twelve repetitions. The rock phosphate, triple superphosphate and control treatments were associated with the presence and absence of liming; the sources of phosphorus were evaluated. The chlorophyll index and the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in the shoots and roots of pigeon pea that was grown for a period of 107 days were evaluated. In general, the chlorophyll index and nutrient concentration of pigeon pea did not differ when fertilized with phosphate rock and triple superphosphate. The fertilization with rock phosphate and triple superphosphate provides a greater nutrient absorption of pigeon pea in the presence of lime. Key words: Green manuring, Cajanus cajan, triple superphosphate, rock phosphate, chlorophyll index.

Brassicaceae cover crops reduce Aphanomyces pea root rot without suppressing genetic potential of microbial nitrogen cycling

Aims Brassicaceae cover crops can be used to suppress soil-borne pathogens. The aim was to investigate the effect of different brassicas with different glucosinolate profiles on the development of Aphanomyces pea root rot in subsequent pea plants, and the genetic potential of free-living N2-fixing bacteria and ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) performing key soil ecosystem services. Methods The Brassicaceae species Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba and non-Brassicaceae species Secale cereale were grown for 11-weeks in Aphanomyces euteiches infested soil at low and high nitrogen (N) fertiliser doses. After removing both shoots and roots of the cover crops, peas were grown as a bioassay to evaluate Aphanomyces pea root rot development. Soil was sampled before harvesting the cover crops and at the end of the bioassay. Volatile compounds were collected in the root-soil environment before harvesting the Brassicaceae cover crops to determine the concentration of isothiocyanates. The abundance of genes involved in N2-fixing bacteria and ammonia oxidation in AOA and AOB were assessed. Results Pea root rot disease severity was reduced in Brassicaceae grown soil at the high N fertiliser dose. This was associated with increased growth of the cover crops. The growth of Brassicaceae did not suppress the abundance of N-cycling microbial communities, but rather increased the AOB at the end of the bioassay, most likely due to increased N availability. The disease suppressive effect was higher with S. alba than with B. juncea, and this coincided with a more diverse composition and higher concentration of aliphatic ITCs released from S. alba roots. Fewer nodules were formed after the Brassicaceae crops, especially Sinapis alba. Conclusions Brassicaceae cover crops, particularly S. alba, can be used to control soil-borne pathogens without major side effects on the genetic potential of beneficial soil microorganisms involved in N cycling. However, less nodule formation after brassicas indicates an effect on rhizobium activity.