Diazotrophic diversity in the rhizosphere of two exotic weed plants, Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium hysterophorus

This study is aimed at assessing culturable diazotrophic bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium hysterophorus, which grow profusely in nutritionally-poor soils and environmentally-stress conditions so as to identify some novel strains for bioinoculant technology. Diazotrophic isolates from Prosopis and Parthenium rhizosphere were characterized for nitrogenase activity by Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Further, the culture-independent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to compare the abundance of diazotrophs in rhizosphere with bulk soils. The proportion of diazotrophs in total heterotrophs was higher in rhizosphere than bulk soils and 32 putative diazotrophs from rhizosphere of two plants were identified by nifH gene amplification. The ARA activity of the isolates ranged from 40 to 95 nmol ethylene h⁻¹ mg protein⁻¹. The 16S rRNA gene analysis identified the isolates to be members of alpha, beta and gamma Proteobacteria and firmicutes. The qPCR assay also confirmed that abundance of nif gene in rhizosphere of these two plants was 10-fold higher than bulk soil.     

小花老鼠簕可培养细菌多样性及其生物学活性研究

小花老鼠簕(Acanthus ebracteatus)是一种生长在红树生态系统的珍稀真红树植物,具有较高的药用价值。为研究小花老鼠簕内生及根际可培养细菌多样性,挖掘其潜在新物种及具有特殊生物学活性的菌株,该文利用7种不同培养基,通过传统稀释涂布法对小花老鼠簕各植物组织及根际土壤可培养细菌进行分离,基于16S rRNA基因序列解析其内生及根际细菌群落结构和多样性特征,应用植物病原菌平板对峙实验和平铺捕食活性测试分析其可培养细菌的抗菌活性。结果表明：(1)基于16S rRNA基因序列分析,发现从小花老鼠簕的根、茎、叶、花及根际土壤中分离得到144株可培养细菌,这些细菌隶属于18目26科37属66种,芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)和链霉菌属(Streptomyces)为优势菌属,分别占细菌种数的15.1%和13.6%;(2)拮抗多种植物病原菌试验结果显示,获得29株具有拮抗植物病原菌活性的细菌,10株具有广谱抑菌活性,其中链霉菌属菌株拮抗作用最强且菌株Y129为潜在新物种。(3)捕食活性测试结果显示,有5株细菌对金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus aureus)、耐甲氧西林金黄色葡...     

Distribution of Antagonistic Streptomyces griseoviridis in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Sand

The ability of Streptomyces griseoviridis to colonize roots was studied on turnip rape (Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera) and carrot (Daucus carota) using the sand-tube method. The biofungicide Mycostop or a spore suspension of S. griseoviridis was mixed in sterile and in non-sterile sand. Population densities of the antagonist in the rhizosphere were significantly higher than in non-rhizosphere and in root-free sand. There was no significant difference between the plant species and root depths on distrubution of the antagonist. Higher rates of detection were achieved when root segments were placed on petri plates of agar than when homogenized and subsequently dilution plated. Homogenization of sand samples increased the detected population densities of S. griseoviridis. Muramic acid assay with HPLC indicated higher densities in the rhizosphere compared with non-rhizosphere and rootfree sand. Distribution of S. griseoviridis in the rhizosphere was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The antagonist produced high spore densities in the root-hair zone of turnip rape. S. griseoviridis mixed in sterile and non-sterile sand survives in the rhizosphere, non-rhizosphere and root-free sand where it probably exists both as spores and mycelia.     

A PCR-based method for the screening of bacterial strains with antifungal activity in suppressive soybean rhizosphere

Selection and evaluation of microbial strains for their antifungal activity in natural environments is time- and energy-consuming. We have adapted a PCR-based method to avoid these inconveniences. Soils that are naturally suppressive to plant disease were chosen as a source of antibiotic-producing bacteria. The screening was performed by means of PCR amplification using degenerate primers corresponding to peptide synthetase genes. Amplification fragments were obtained using template DNA from the rhizosphere of three different soybean fields. In order to assay their potential utility in pathogen control, several Bacillus strains were analysed for their in vitro antifungal activity by testing growth inhibition of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Four Bacillus sp. isolates gave a positive amplification signal, and three of them had an inhibitory effect on S. sclerotiorum growth, whereas two strains that failed to give an amplification signal did not inhibit fungal growth. These results show that PCR-based techniques could be useful to assess the presence of strains with potential use as biocontrol agents.     

独山子区优势草本植物根际与非根际土壤微生物功能多样性

以独山子区3种优势草本植物的根际与非根际土壤为研究对象,采用Biolog-ECO微平板法对土壤微生物功能多样性进行了研究。结果表明:3种不同植物根际与非根际土壤微生物代谢活性(AWCD)、丰富度指数Shannon(H)和均匀度指数Mc Intosh(U)均存在不同差异,且博乐蒿根际土壤微生物功能多样性均优于非根际土壤及其他两种植物;根际土壤微生物对糖类、脂类、酸类和胺类碳源物质比较敏感,非根际土壤微生物敏感于酸类、氨基酸类以及糖类碳源,根际土壤微生物对碳源的利用能力更强,且不同植物根际环境微生物碳源利用特征不同;微生物活性、丰富度指数和微生物均匀度指数与土壤pH值、SOM、AP和NO-3-N存在显著正相关(P0.05);博乐蒿根际土壤养分含量与微生物活性均较高,对环境的适应性更强,在独山子区生态环境管理与建设中可对其进行关注。     

Comparison of the chemical changes in the rhizosphere of the nickel hyperaccumulator Alyssum murale with the non-accumulator Raphanus sativus

Changes in pH and redox potential were studied in the rhizosphere soil of a nickel hyperaccumulator plant (Alyssum murale) and of a crop plant, radish (Raphanus sativus). Differences in rhizosphere pH and reducing activity were found between the lateral and the main roots of both species, but the pH changes in the rhizosphere were similar in both species. Changes in pH were associated with the relative uptakes of cations and anions; whether the concentrations of heavy metals in the growth medium did not have any effect on the rhizosphere pH. The source of nitrogen (ammonium or nitrate) was the major factor determining the pH of the rhizosphere of both species. The redox potential of the rhizosphere was influenced by both the N-source and the concentrations of heavy metals. When heavy metals were not present in the growth medium, and nitrate was the N-source, the reducing capacity of A. murale roots was enhanced. However, the reducing activity of A. murale was always smaller than that of radish. Therefore, the mechanism of metal solubilization by the hyperaccumulator plant does not involve either the reduction of pH in the rhizosphere or the release of reductants from roots. The acidification and reducing activity of the roots of A. murale was always smaller than that of R. sativus.     

Algal and bacterial non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation in paddy soils

Summary The nitrogen fixing activity of three Ivory Coast soils was tested in the laboratory by the acetylene reduction assay and the Kjeldahl method. Nitrogen fixation due to algae was estimated to be of the order of 4 to 8 (acetylene method) and 7 μg N per g soil per day (Kjeldahl method). Nitrogen fixation due to bacterial activity in the rice rhizosphere was estimated to be of the order of 2 to 5 (acetylene method) and 1 to 3 μg N per g soil per day (Kjeldahl method). These results emphasize the importance of the bacterial nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere which had been hitherto overlooked. Comparison of acetylene method and Kjeldahl method results shows discrepancies the origin of which has been discussed. Time course of acetylene reduction by rhizosphere soils exhibits a lag phase which may be attributed to Postgate's switch off — switch on process.     

接种内生降解菌Stenotrophomonas pavanii DJL-M3对多菌灵胁迫下水稻根际微生态的影响

内生降解菌定殖可促进水稻中农药等有机污染物的降解代谢,研究功能内生菌对农药暴露下水稻根际微生态的影响,可为利用植物-微生物互作调控农作物农药残留及修复农田生态环境污染提供科学依据。以水稻根际土壤中的蚯蚓、土壤酶和微生物群落为研究对象,分析接种内生菌Stenotrophomonas pavanii DJL-M3对水稻根际微生态响应多菌灵胁迫的影响。结果表明：多菌灵暴露导致水稻根际土壤过氧化氢酶活性增强,脲酶和蔗糖酶活性被抑制;多菌灵污染可对水稻根际周围的蚯蚓造成氧化损伤,致使其体内丙二醛累积并诱导超氧化物歧化酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶过表达;多菌灵残留显著降低水稻根际土壤微生物群落的多样性与碳源代谢活性。接种内生降解菌S.pavanii DJL-M3促进了水稻根际残留多菌灵的降解,缓解根际土壤微生物与蚯蚓所受胁迫压力,显著提高了土壤脲酶、蔗糖酶活力以及蚯蚓的存活率,并有效提升了水稻根际微生物群落的代谢活性与多样性。因此,接种内生降解菌S.pavanii DJL-M3有助于多菌灵残留污染下稻田土壤生态环境的恢复。     

自然林下与田间根腐三七根际微生物群落特征及比较分析

【背景】三七根际微生物群落特征与其土传根腐病害密切相关,而针对自然林下根腐三七的相关研究鲜见报道。【目的】比较分析自然林下与田间根腐三七根际土壤微生物群落的组成特征,结合土壤理化性质与酶活性分析,为三七根腐病害防治与仿野生栽培提供科学依据。【方法】采集自然林下与田间根腐三七根际土壤,利用高通量测序技术,分析土壤细菌与真菌群落的物种组成与多样性,并测定土壤理化性质和酶活性。【结果】自然林下与田间根腐三七根际土壤中细菌和真菌群落组成具有明显差异,自然林下根腐三七根际土壤中担子菌门(Basidiomycota)、酸杆菌门(Acidobacteria)和疣微菌门(Verrucomicrobia)的相对丰度较高,而田间根腐三七根际土壤中子囊菌门(Ascomycota)、变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和绿弯菌门(Chloroflexi)的相对丰度较高。在属分类水平,镰刀菌属(Fusarium)是自然林下根腐三七根际土壤中的优势菌群,相对丰度为17.30%,而癣囊腔菌属(Plectosphaerella)是田间根腐三七根际土壤中的优势菌群,相对丰度为22.55%;Candidatus Ba...     

Distribution of soil invertase in relation to the root systems ofPicea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. andAcer pseudoplatanus L. during development of young plants

A method is described for sampling rhizosphere soil under newly establishedPicea sitchensis andAcer pseudoplatanus. The technique involves taking soil samples to a depth of 150 mm at 100 mm intervals along transects, each 45° from its neighbour, radiating from the base of the stem. Invertase activities were measured in the soil samples and compared to their activities in fallow and rhizosphere soils. When the field soil was dry, the tree root systems were carefully excavated to retain as many fine roots as possible. The distribution of the soil invertase was matched to the spatial distribution of the roots showing the precise position of the rhizosphere relative to the initial blind soil sampling. Statistics were applied to derive equations for calculating the percentage enzyme activity relative to that found in rhizosphere soil at various locations radiating from the base of the stem. This information was subsequently applied to soil sampled under trees of the same age as those excavated to give a non-destructive method for sampling rhizosphere soil routinely from under a large number of trees.     

荒漠草原区土壤粒径组成对柠条根际土壤微生物数量及酶活性的影响

柠条(Caragana korshinskii)是荒漠草原区主要的造林绿化树种,研究其根际土壤微生物和酶活性与不同土壤类型土壤粒径组成的关系有重要意义,然而土壤粒径对荒漠草原柠条根际土壤微生物数量和酶活性的影响知之甚少,探讨土壤颗粒组分与微生物数量、土壤酶活性之间的关系,以及土壤颗粒组成对荒漠草原区固沙灌木植物柠条根际土壤微生物数量及酶活性的影响,可为揭示荒漠草原土壤退化及生态修复提供参考。以宁夏荒漠草原区土壤粒径组成差异显著的灰钙土、红黏土、风沙土环境下栽植的柠条为研究对象,研究不同土壤颗粒组成对根际土壤微生物数量及酶活性的相互关系与影响。结果表明:土壤微生物的数量表现为细菌放线菌真菌。根际土壤中的细菌、真菌数量显著高于非根际,且在3种不同类型的土壤中随着细砂粒的增多,真菌和放线菌数量逐渐降低,而细菌数量呈先增大后减小的趋势;根际与非根际土壤的蔗糖酶、碱性磷酸酶及过氧化氢酶活性均呈现出灰钙土红黏土风沙土的趋势,红黏土根际土壤中的脲酶活性显著高于灰钙土与风沙土;除过氧化氢酶外,土壤酶活性表现为根际高于非根际,在3种不同类型的土壤中随着细砂含量的增加,土壤酶活性均呈递减趋势。土壤颗粒组成与微生物数量之间没有明显的相关性,而与土壤酶活性之间显著相关,土壤酶活性与黏粒、粉粒呈正相关,与细砂、中砂呈负相关关系,根际土壤中酶活性更高,能够为植物及微生物提供更多的营养。     

白马雪山云南黄芪与灰毛康定黄芪根际微生物物种多样性及抗生物膜活性菌株筛选

【背景】细菌生物膜是造成病原菌耐药性增强和持续感染的主要因素,但目前尚无针对抗菌膜的特效药物。特境植物根际微生物可产生大量具有提高宿主免疫功能的活性成分,极具抗生物膜药源开发潜力。【目的】了解滇西北高寒特境白马雪山分布的云南黄芪与灰毛康定黄芪植物根际微生物的物种多样性,并对可培养菌株进行抑菌与抗生物膜活性筛选。【方法】采用宏基因组技术结合传统微生物培养方法,对采自我国云南迪庆藏族自治州德钦县白马雪山的云南黄芪与灰毛康定黄芪的根际微生物进行物种多样性研究,并通过“孔板法”测定其可培养菌株发酵液乙酸乙酯粗浸膏的抗菌、抗生物膜活性。【结果】宏基因组测序结果显示,云南黄芪根际土壤样本中的微生物来自6门7纲8目8科9属10种,其中栖热菌属为优势菌群;灰毛康定黄芪根际土壤样本中的微生物来自6门8纲10目11科14属15种,其中慢生根瘤菌属为优势菌群。通过纯培养共获得145株可培养菌株,包括112株细菌和33株真菌。其中,云南黄芪根际细菌59株,共计16属35种,优势属为假单胞菌属和链霉菌属;根际真菌19株,共计4属5种,优势属为曲霉属;灰毛康定黄芪根际细菌53株,归属于16属29种,优势属为芽孢杆菌属与寡养单胞菌属;根际真菌14株,归属于3属4种,优势属为曲霉属。从不同种水平上选择51株细菌和7株真菌为代表菌株进行抗生素药源评估,发现5株细菌及1株真菌发酵液的乙酸乙酯粗浸膏具有中等至较强的抗革兰阳性菌活性,而且其中4株具有抗MRSA生物膜活性,最终确定了链霉属放线菌Streptomyces fulvissimus KTA1和曲霉属真菌Aspergillus fumigatus YNF5为潜力活性菌株。【结论】首次报道了滇西北地区高寒特境黄芪属植物根际微生物具有较好的物种多样性,而且具有一定的抗生素药用资源开发潜力。本研究对滇西北高寒特境特色植物来源的微生物资源开发利用与保护具有重要的借鉴意义。     

Studies on the microbial populations of the rhizosphere of big sagebrush (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia tridentata</Emphasis>)

Prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens, both in medicine and in agriculture. New threats such as biological warfare have increased the need for novel and efficacious antimicrobial agents. Natural habitats not previously examined as sources of novel antibiotic-producing microorganisms still exist. One such habitat is the rhizosphere of desert shrubs. Here, we show that one desert shrub habitat, the rhizosphere of desert big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a source of actinomycetes capable of producing an extensive array of antifungal metabolites. Culturable microbial populations from both the sagebrush rhizosphere and nearby bulk soils from three different sites were enumerated and compared, using traditional plate-count techniques and antibiotic activity bioassays. There were no statistical differences between the relative numbers of culturable non-actinomycete eubacteria, actinomycetes and fungi in the rhizosphere versus bulk soils, but PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the total soil DNA and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed that the community structure was different between the rhizosphere and the bulk soils. A high percentage of actinomycetes produced antimicrobials; and the percentage of active producers was significantly higher among the rhizosphere isolates, as compared with the bulk soil isolates. Also, the rhizosphere strains were more active in the production of antifungal compounds than antibacterial compounds. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that sagebrush rhizospheres contained a variety of Streptomyces species possessing broad spectrum antifungal activity. Scanning electron microscopy studies of sagebrush root colonization by one of the novel sagebrush rhizosphere isolates, Streptomyces sp. strain RG, showed that it aggressively colonized young sagebrush roots, whereas another plant rhizosphere-colonizing strain, S. lydicus WYEC108, not originally isolated from sagebrush, was a poor colonizer of the roots of this plant, as were two other Streptomyces isolates from forest soil. These results support the hypothesis that the rhizosphere of desert big sagebrush is a promising source of habitat-adapted actinomycetes, producing antifungal antibiotics.     

刈割对草原化荒漠区驼绒藜(Krascheninnikovia ceratoides)根际土壤特性的影响

在休眠期对草原化荒漠中自然生长的驼绒藜(Krascheninnikovia ceratoides)进行不同频度的刈割处理(连年刈割、隔年刈割、对照),通过测定根际土壤理化性质、土壤微生物数量及土壤酶活性等指标,分析和讨论了不同频度的刈割处理对驼绒藜根际土壤特性的影响。结果表明:(1)连年刈割和隔年刈割都显著提高了根际土壤含水量,隔年刈割使根际土壤全碳含量显著上升、有机质含量显著下降,但刈割对根际土壤pH值和全氮含量的影响不明显;(2)刈割对根际土壤微生物总量的影响不明显,但显著影响细菌、真菌和放线菌的组成,连年刈割使真菌数量显著增加,隔年刈割使放线菌数量显著增加,驼绒藜根际土壤中放线菌所占比例最大,其数量表征了土壤的贫瘠程度;(3)刈割对根际土壤过氧化氢酶和中性磷酸酶活性有显著影响,两种刈割处理会显著提高土壤过氧化氢酶活性、降低土壤中性磷酸酶活性,而对土壤多酚氧化酶、脲酶、转化酶和碱性磷酸酶活性的影响不显著。总之,隔年刈割对植物根际土壤养分供给及土壤分解者的活性更加有利,而且土壤理化因子对土壤微生物数量和土壤酶活性的影响不显著。刈割对驼绒藜根际土壤特性影响的规律性不强,可能是由于半灌木刈割利用的时间较短,根际土壤各个测量指标之间尚未形成显著的相关性。     

复合菌剂调控连作当归根围土壤养分及对产量的影响

【背景】连作可引起微生物群落结构失调,导致土壤环境恶化、养分循环不畅、当归[Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels]产量降低,通过现代微生物技术改良土壤、消减连作障碍势在必行。【目的】于大田条件下,研究施用复合菌剂对当归根围土壤酶活、速效养分及产量的影响,明确增产机制,改进增产措施。【方法】利用溶磷圈法检测不同菌株溶磷活性、乙炔还原法检测固氮活性、试剂盒法检测过氧化物酶和硝化能力;复合菌剂T1[荧光假单胞菌(Pseudomonas fluorescens)CBS5、产碱假单胞菌(Pseudomonas alcaligenes) CBS7、嗜冷假单胞菌(Pseudomonas extremaustralis)CBSB、生枝动胶菌(Zoogloea ramigera) CBS4]和T2 (荧光假单胞菌CBS5、产碱假单胞菌CBS7、嗜冷假单胞菌CBSB)及对照CK (无菌马铃薯葡萄糖肉汤培养基)分别处理连作当归,分光光度法测定根围土壤及根中养分循环、转化相关酶活,氮、磷、钾速效养分含量;常规方法测产量;统计软件进行相关数据方差分析和主成分分析。【结果】产碱假单胞菌C...     

茅尾海红树根际土壤可培养细菌多样性及抑菌活性研究

为挖掘茅尾海红树植物根际土壤可培养细菌资源,研究其抑菌活性,该文使用培养基对茅尾海5种红树植物(红海榄、黄槿、无瓣海桑、桐花树、阔苞菊)的7份根际土壤进行富集培养,选用6种不同分离培养基对富集样品进行可培养细菌的分离纯化,基于菌株16S rRNA基因序列信息进行物种多样性分析,并采用纸片法筛选具有抑制表皮葡萄球菌、耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌、铜绿假单胞菌活性的菌株。结果表明:(1)从7份红树植物根际土壤样品中分离到120种可培养细菌,隶属于35科47属,其中链霉菌属(Streptomyces sp.)占菌种总数的 14.2%,同时发现5种潜在新菌株。(2)通过抑菌活性初筛,发现9种细菌的发酵粗提物对至少一种致病菌具有抑菌活性。综上表明,茅尾海红树植物根际土壤可培养细菌多样性丰富,并且部分菌株具有抑制人类致病菌活性。该研究结果为新型抗生素的开发与利用提供了菌种资源。     

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of potential plant growth-promoting <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas</Emphasis> from rice and maize rhizospheres

In this study, Pseudomonas species were isolated from the rhizospheres of two plant hosts: rice (Oryza sativa cultivar Pathum Thani 1) and maize (Zea mays cultivar DK888). The genotypic diversity of isolates was determined on basis of amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). This analysis showed that both plant varieties selected for two distinct populations of Pseudomonas. The actual biocontrol and plant promotion abilities of these strains was confirmed by bioassays on fungal (Verticillum sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium sp.) and bacterial (Ralstonia solanacearum and Bacillus subtilis) plant pathogens, as well as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production and carbon source utilization. There was a significant difference between isolates from rice and maize rhizosphere in terms of biological control against R.  solanacearum and B.  subtilis. Interestingly, none of the pseudomonads isolated from maize rhizosphere showed antagonistic activity against R.  solanacearum. This study indicated that the percentage of pseudomonad isolates obtained from rice rhizosphere which showed the ability to produce fluorescent pigments was almost threefold higher than pseudomonad isolates obtained from maize rhizosphere. Furthermore, the biocontrol assay results indicated that pseudomonad isolated from rice showed a higher ability to control bacterial and fungal root pathogens than pseudomonad isolates obtained from maize. This work clearly identified a number of isolates with potential for use as plant growth-promoting and biocontrol agents on rice and maize.     

Comparison of Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities in Arabidopsis thaliana Mutants for Systemic Acquired Resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible systemic plant defense against a broad spectrum of plant pathogens, with the potential to secrete antimicrobial compounds into the soil. However, its impact on rhizosphere bacteria is not known. In this study, we examined fingerprints of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to determine the effect of SAR on bacterial community structure and diversity. We compared Arabidopsis mutants that are constitutive and non-inducible for SAR and verified SAR activation by measuring pathogenesis-related protein activity via a β-glucoronidase (GUS) reporter construct driven by the β-1-3 glucanase promoter. We used terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of MspI- and HaeIII-digested 16S rDNA to estimate bacterial rhizosphere community diversity, with Lactobacillus sp. added as internal controls. T-RFLP analysis showed a clear rhizosphere effect on community structure, and diversity analysis of both rhizosphere and bulk soil operational taxonomic units (as defined by terminal restriction fragments) using richness, Shannon–Weiner, and Simpson’s diversity indices and evenness confirmed that the presence of Arabidopsis roots significantly altered bacterial communities. This effect of altered soil microbial community structure by plants was also seen upon multivariate cluster analysis of the terminal restriction fragments. We also found visible differences in the rhizosphere community fingerprints of different Arabidopsis SAR mutants; however, there was no clear decrease of rhizosphere diversity because of constitutive SAR expression. Our study suggests that SAR can alter rhizosphere bacterial communities, opening the door to further understanding and application of inducible plant defense as a driving force in structuring soil bacterial assemblages.     

Influence of seed and root exudations on the rhizosphere effect inSorghum vulgare andCrotalaria juncea

The influence of seed and root exudations on the rhizosphere effect ofSorghum vulgare andCrotalaria juncea was examined. While the quantitative occurrence of certain morphological and physiological groups of bacteria on the seeds and rhizospheres of the two plant species differed, there were similarities in the occurrence of certain physiological and nutritional groups of bacteria on the seed as well as on the rhizosphere. The occurrence of some genera of fungi on the seeds and in the rhizosphere indicated the influence of both seeds and root exudations on the rhizosphere effect. Increase in root exudations of amino acids and sugars correlated with a concomitant increase in microbial activity in the rhizosphere on the 15th day of growth in both plant species but there was a delayed effect of the exuded chemicals on the rhizosphere microflora after 30 d of plant growth. Based on the Ph.D. thesis of the first author submitted to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore.     

Distribution of Carboxylates and Acid Phosphatase and Depletion of Different Phosphorus Fractions in the Rhizosphere of a Cereal and Three Grain Legumes

This study investigates the distribution of carboxylates and acid phosphatases as well as the depletion of different phosphorus (P) fractions in the rhizosphere of three legume crop species and a cereal, grown in a soil with two different levels of residual P. White lupin (Lupinus albus L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown in small sand-filled PVC tubes to create a dense root mat against a 38-μm mesh nylon cloth at the bottom, where it was in contact with the soil of interest contained in another tube. The soil had either not been fertilised (P0) or fertilised with 15 (P15) kg P ha⁻¹ in previous years. The mesh size did not allow roots to grow into the soil, but penetration of root hairs and diffusion of nutrients and root exudates was possible, and a rhizosphere was established. At harvest, thin (1 mm) slices of this rhizosphere soil were cut, down to a 10-mm distance from the mesh surface. The rhizosphere of white lupin, particularly in the P0 treatment, contained citrate, mostly in the first 3 mm, with concentrations decreasing with distance from the root. Acid phosphatase activity was enhanced in the rhizosphere of all species, as compared with bulk soil, up to a distance of 4 mm. Phosphatase activity was highest in the rhizosphere of white lupin, followed by faba bean, field pea and wheat. Both citrate concentrations and phosphatase activities were higher in P0 compared with P15. The depletion of both inorganic (P_i) and organic (P_o) phosphorus fractions was greatest at the root surface, and decreased gradually with distance from the root. The soil P fractions that were most depleted as a result of root activity were the bicarbonate-extractable (0.5 M) and sodium hydroxide-extractable (0.1 M) pools, irrespective of plant species. This study suggests that differences among the studied species in use of different P pools and in the width of the rhizosphere are relatively small.