Root morphology and exudate availability are shaped by particle size and chemistry in Brachypodium distachyon.

ABSTRACT: Root morphology and exudation define a plants' sphere of influence in soils. In turn, soil characteristics influence plant growth, morphology, root microbiome, and rhizosphere chemistry. Collectively, all these parameters have significant implications on the major biogeochemical cycles, crop yield, and ecosystem health. However, how plants are shaped by the physiochemistry of soil particles is still not well understood. We explored how particle size and chemistry of growth substrates affect root morphology and exudation of a model grass. We grew Brachypodium distachyon in glass beads with various sizes (0.5, 1, 2, 3 mm), as well as in sand (0.005, 0.25, 4 mm) and in clay (4 mm) particles and in particle-free hydroponic medium. Plant morphology, root weight, and shoot weight were mea

SUBMITTER: Sasse J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7330624 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature