Investigations into rhizosphere microflora

Summary Effect of light and dark treatments on rhizosphere and rhizoplane microflora of two crops,viz Triticum aestivum. Linn. andHordeum vulgare Linn. has been investigated. Higher microbial population was recorded from the rhizosphere of plants exposed to continuous light while continuous dark set harboured lesser microflora. The microflora in 12 hours alternate light and dark set exhibited an intermediate condition. Amino acids (both qualitatively and quantitatively) in root extracts were the least in continuous dark and the maximum in continuous light set. The variation in root leakage, physiological and morphological condition of the plants was thought to be the cause for change in microbial activity. A part of the Ph. D. thesis approved by University of Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur, India (1969).     

Studies on the rhizosphere microflora of a desert plant

The response of the bacterial population to edaphic drought of the Egyptian desert was investigated. The influence of the rhizosphere on the microbial population as compared with soil apart was studied. The total microbial flora, total simple nutritional microflora, spores of simple and complex nutritional requirements, Actinomycetes and Fungi were estimated. Some groups of organisms which carry out certain important biochemical processes in the soil were also investigated, namely, cellulose decomposers, nitrifiers, Azotobacter and Clostridia. It was found that significatnly higher donsities of microbial population existed in the rhizosphere than in soil apart. This was attributed to organic matter and root secretion furnished by the growing roots of the desert plant, in addition to the presence of relatively moister conditions around the root than in soil apart. The high densities of microflora present in the rhizosphere indicate that the desert soil of this locality is suitable for reclamation since the only limiting factor in the proliferation of soil microorganisms are soil organic matter and moisture. Cellulose decomposers and nitrogen fixers, were found in high densities in the rhizosphere but not detected in the soil apart. The significance of the rhizosphere as constituting a microhabitat is discussed. The probable contribution of the periotrophic mantle of bacteria for protecting root cells against edaphic drought is also noted. Mineralization of the high microbial protein in the rhizosphere supplies the plant with the necessary nutrients.

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Изучение микрофлоры ризосферы растений в пустыне

Изучалась реакция популяций бактерий на засуху в египетской пустыне. Исследовалось влияние ризосферы (по сравнению со свободной почвой) на популяцию микробов. Было определено общее количество микроорганизмов, количество микроорганизмов со скромными требованиями к питанию, количество спорообразующих микроорганизмов е простыми и комплексными требованиями к питанию и количество актиномицетов и грибов. Изучались также некоторые группы микроорганизмов, осуществляющих важные биологические превращения в почве, а именно микроорганизмов, разлагающих целлюлозу, нитрификаторов, Azotobacter и Clostridia. Было установлено, что в ризосфере микробы гораздо более многочисленны, чем в свободной почве. Кроме стносительно большей влажности среды вблизи корней это обусловливается и влиянием органического вещества и корневых выделений, попадающих в почву пустыни. Обильная микрофлора в ризосфере растений в прстине свидетельствует о том, что почва пустыни в исследуемых местах пригодна для обработки, так как лимитирующими факторами в развитии микроорганизмов являются только влажность и органическое вещество почвы.

     

Studies on the rhizosphere microflora of yellow birch seedlings

Summary The rhizosphere microflora of yellow birch seedlings grown in a forest soil in tanks in the greenhouse has been investigated. In general it was found that the rhizosphere effect of yellow birch roots in the A horizon was lower than that observed with cropped plants; nevertheless a stimulation of microbial development was obtained. Of the micro-organisms studied, bacteria, and ammonifying and methylene-blue-reducing organisms appeared to be predominant types in the root zone. Counts were, on the whole, lowest when plants broke dormancy and began to increase in the later periods of growth. There was no appreciable difference between control and rhizosphere soils in regard to incidence of specific nutritional types of bacteria. Analysis of the rhizosphere population of roots growing in the B horizon showed a distinctly greater rhizosphere effect than that obtained in the A horizon. The data suggest that the rhizosphere effect in the latter was obscured because of its high organic-matter content and its abundant and active microflora.Contribution No. 481     

Development of rhizosphere and rhizoplane microflora of Aristida coerulescens in the Libyan desert

Summary Microflora of rhizosphere soil, rhizoplane and macerated root-portions of Aristida coerulescens, naturally occurring in the Libyan desert, were different in count and isolates, in the different root zones. A rhizosphere effect characteristic of each zone is shown. The root base contained the lowest numbers of microflora (bacteria and fungi) whilst the root tip included the highest counts. Distribution of most of the individual fungal species in the different root zones and root-surfaces is given in text.     

Effect of some sulphur compounds on soil microflora of spruce rhizosphere

The effect of a long-term application of sulphite, thiosulphate and sodium sulphate on the soil microflora and spruce seedlings was investigated in a pot experiment. Sulphur compounds decreased the concentration of bacteria, including thiobacilli, increased the concentration of microscopic fungi and sulphate-reducing bacteria; they inhibited respiration, nitrification and oxidation of thiosulphate, stimulated ammonification and oxidation of elemental sulphur. In certain cases the spruce rhizosphere exhibited just the opposite effect. In the rhizosphere the sulphate-reducing bacteria were suppressed together with thiobacilli, whose unit oxidative activity increased substantially. Growth of seedlings was inhibited by sulphite and stimulated by thiosulphate and sulphate. Sulphite, the effects of which were similar to those of sulphur dioxide immissions, was the most effective compound. In regions influenced by immissions the soil is apparently intoxicated by the absorbed sulphite.     

放线菌制剂对人参生长及根域土壤微生物区系的影响

以小兴安岭地区人参为研究对象,探索放线菌制剂对人参的促生效应及对人参根区、根表土壤微生物区系的影响.结果表明： 经放线菌制剂Streptomyces pactum（Act12）处理后,人参药用部分产量增加,品质改善;叶片诱导酶活性提高,根系活力增强;土壤中细菌、放线菌的数量和比例显著增加,真菌的数量和比例减少.与对照相比,土壤微生物区系结构改变:优势菌荧光假单胞菌、韩国假单胞菌和氧化微杆菌在根区、根表土壤中的数量大幅提高;病原真菌烟色织孢霉在根区土壤中减少,在根表土壤中消失.表明施用放线菌制剂Act12能够改善土壤微生物区系,提高人参植株的抗性和根系活力,增加产量并改善品质.     

Natural shifts in communities of rhizosphere fungi of common oak after felling

Fungal communities in the rhizospheres of oak roots were shown to change after the trees were felled. The ecological significance of this is considered. Fungal communities were isolated from rhizospheres of thin roots (0.5–1 mm diam.) of living trees and their stumps two years after felling in 30- and 50-year-old stands of Quercus robur, with samples taken at two locations in each stand. In total, 128 species of fungi were isolated. Six species, Absidia cylindrospora, Penicillium adametzii, P. citrinum, P. daleae, P. janczewskii and Umbelopsis vinacea were detected in the rhizospheres of living oaks and stumps at all locations. The abundance of Geomyces spp.?+?Pseudogymnoascus roseus, Gymnoascus reessii and Zygomycetes was greater, and of Penicillium spp. was smaller, usually significantly, in rhizospheres of stump roots than of living tree roots. Among Zygomycetes, the populations of A. cylindrospora and Mucor hiemalis decreased, while those of Mortierella spp., particularly M. macrocystis, increased after felling. Species of Penicillium favoured by roots are P. adametzii, P. citrinum, P. daleae, P. herquei, P. janczewskii, P. raistrickii. On stump roots they are replaced by P. chrysogenum, P. islandicum and P. spinulosum. The combination of Chalara spp. with oak roots indicates the occurrence of specific relationships, suggesting that the organic food base provided by the plant is a primary factor determining the composition of the fungal community. Edaphic and other environmental factors may be less important in this effect.     

The rhizosphere microflora of wheat grown under controlled conditions II. Influence of the stage of growth of the plant,soil fertility and leaf treatment with urea on the rhizosphere soil microflora

Summary The rhizosphere effect of seminal roots of seedlings and of nodal roots of tillering plants of spring wheat ‘Kaspar’ was investigated under controlled conditions. The total number of micro-organisms recorded in the rhizosphere soil were significantly higher than for the non-rooted soil when investigated with the soil dilution plate method, but lower when fluorescence microscopy was used. Additions of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) decreased their numbers especially in rhizosphere soil of seminal roots and in non-rhizosphere soil, but did not change the ratio between bacteria and actinomycetes (B/A). In the rhizosphere soil the B/A ratio was higher than in the non-rhizosphere soil. An effect of urea leaf treatment was found with the dilution-plate method only in the rhizosphere soil of nodal roots, 3 to 7 days after the first treatment. Increased numbers of actinomycetes were found in this period in NPK fertilized soil, whereas increased numbers of bacteria were found at both fertility levels.     

Interrelationships between vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza and rhizosphere microflora in apple replant disease

Phytotoxic micromycetes appear to be responsible for the apple replant disease (ARD). This was suppressed by the inoculation of apple-tree seedlings with some species of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi—Glomus fasciculatum andG. macrocarpum. After the inoculation, growth of apple-tree seedlings improved in dependence on the type of soil, on VAM fungus species and on the ARD appearance. After 12-month cultivation, plant biomass (height, shoot and root dry masses) was markedly increased by inoculation withG. fasciculatum. Similarly, the numbers of colony forming units per unit soil (CFU) of phytotoxic micromycetes and of diazotroph bacteria (associative dinitrogen-fixing bacteria) in the rhizosphere was affected; CFU of phytotoxic micromycetes decreased, whereas CFU of the genusAzospirillum was higher. These bacteria could also serve as antagonists against phytotoxic micromycetes. It is also suggested that the ratio of CFU of diazotroph bacteria to CFU of phytotoxic micromycetes can be used as an indicator of the degree of ARD. It may be assumed that the use of some VAM fungi can replace the chemcial treatment of the soil with ARD.     

Effect of aflatoxin-contaminated groundnut cake on rhizosphere microflora of some vegetable plants

Plant and Soil - Amendment of groundut cake stimulated bacterial and fungal populations in rhizospheres of Rumex, okra, and clusterbean. Maximum rhizosphere effect was noticed when the plants were...     

Respiration and microflora of the rhizosphere soil of wheat influenced by foliar application of urea

The numbers of micromycetes and bacteria were investigated with respect to oxygen consumption in the rhizosphere soil of wheat and in non-rhizosphere soil. Plants after foliar application of urea (2 % solution) and non-treated plants were cultivated in degraded chernozem and garden soil in a green-house. Changes in oxygen consumption by the suspensions of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils corresponded to changes in the number of bacteria designated as the rhizosphere effect (R/S). Values of R/S depended on the presence of organic substrates. Changes in oxygen consumption by the soil suspension from the rhizosphere of wheat occurring due to foliar application of urea corresponded to changes in the amount of microflora. The results obtained are discussed with respect to a possible utilization of the data to follow metabolic activity of soils in a natural environment (in situ) determined according to oxygen consumption by a soil suspension, and to assess changes in the microflora of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil.     

Perturbation of maize rhizosphere microflora following seed bacterization with Burkholderia cepacia MCI 7

Introduction of a large quantity of exogenous microorganisms may disrupt a local ecosystem and affect the natural microflora. In this work we investigated the effects of the introduction of a plant growth promoting strain of Burkholderia cepacia into the rhizosphere of maize on both indigenous B. cepacia populations and microbial community structure of total culturable bacteria using the concept of r/K strategy. Moreover we studied the distribution of bacterial populations in the root system at various soil depths. Seed bacterization was used as application method. Root colonization of the introduced strain occurred mainly on roots close to the plant stem, whereas indigenous B. cepacia was recovered at higher amounts from the lower parts of root systems of mature plants. As far as total culturable bacteria are concerned, an almost uniform distribution in the root system of mature plants was observed. The release of the exogenous bacterial strain affected mainly the microbial populations of young growing plants rather than mature plants. Indeed it caused only short-term perturbations in the microbial community of maize rhizosphere. Colonization of maize roots by indigenous B. cepacia was not significantly affected by the presence of the exogenous strain.     

Changes in the rhizosphere microflora of maize seedlings by pretreatment of roots with hormones and urea

Summary Effect of pretreatment of root of maize seedlings with gibberellic acid, maleic hydrazide and urea was investigated. Gibberellic acid at 1 ppm stimulated the growth of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes in the rhizosphere region of maize seedlings while at 5 ppm concentration population of bacteria and actinomycetes were suppressed. Maleic hydrazide treatment stimulated all the three groups at 5 ppm concentration but at 1 ppm there was increase in population of only fungi and actinomycetes. Urea stimulated the growth of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes. The order of predominance of different groups also changed with treatments. It was fungi > bacteria > actinomycetes in case of gibberellic acid at 1 ppm and 5 ppm and maleic hydrazide at 1 ppm; and bacteria > fungi > actinomycetes in case of maleic hydrazide at 5 ppm, urea at 0.1M and in control.     

The rhizosphere microflora of wheat grown under controlled conditions I. The effect of soil fertility and urea leaf treatment on the rhizoplane microflora

Summary Microbial colonization of seminal roots of seedlings and of nodal roots of tillering plants was studied on spring wheat ‘Kaspar’ cultivated in growth, chambers. Methods were developed to microbially condition the soil before seeding and to regulate soil humidity. Addition of inorganic nutrients (NPK) to the soil increased the number of rhizoplane bacteria and actinomycetes, but did not effect the number of fungi on seminal and nodal roots. Urea leaf treatments stimulated bacteria and actinomycetes 7 and 9 days after treatment. Fourteen days after urea leaf treatment, however, bacterial numbers were mostly reduced, especially on seminal roots, while numbers of actinomycetes generally equalled the control. Root types and soil fertility did not obviously interact with the effect of urea leaf treatment on rhizoplane bacteria and actinomycetes. The only effect of urea on total numbers of fungi, was a reduction of their numbers on seminal roots 9 days after treatment at both NPK-levels.     

Effect of continuous application of manures and fertilizers on rhizosphere microflora in arecanut palm

Summary The rhizosphere microflora of arecanut palm under continuous application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers was studied. The nutrients applied are 100 g N, 40 g P₂O₅ and 140 g K₂O/palm/year in the form of organics and inorganics. The application of organic manure increased the microbial population. The increase in microbial population was observed between the rhizosphere samples collected at 0–30cm and 30–60 cm depths. The surface cultivation of soil increased the microbial population.Trichoderma sp. andAspergillus sp. dominated in therhizosphere of arecanut palm. Contribution No. 208. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Vittal-574243, Karnataka, India.