Evaluation of Phenolic Root Exudates as Stimulants of Saptrophic Fungi in the Rhizosphere.

ABSTRACT: The rhizosphere microbial community of crop plants in intensively managed arable soils is strongly dominated by bacteria, especially in the initial stages of plant development. In order to establish more diverse and balanced rhizosphere microbiomes, as seen for wild plants, crop variety selection could be based on their ability to promote growth of saprotrophic fungi in the rhizosphere. We hypothesized that this can be achieved by increasing the exudation of phenolic acids, as generally higher fungal abundance is observed in environments with phenolic-rich inputs, such as exudates of older plants and litter leachates. To test this, a rhizosphere simulation microcosm was designed to establish gradual diffusion of root exudate metabolites from sterile sand into arable soil. With this system,

SUBMITTER: Clocchiatti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8079663 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature