Publication
Title
Exploring the transfer of recent plant photosynthates to soil microbes : mycorrhizal pathway vs direct root exudation
Author
Abstract
Plants rapidly release photoassimilated carbon (C) to the soil via direct root exudation and associated mycorrhizal fungi, with both pathways promoting plant nutrient availability. This study aimed to explore these pathways from the root's vascular bundle to soil microbial communities. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging and C-13-phospho- and neutral lipid fatty acids, we traced in-situ flows of recently photoassimilated C of (CO2)-C-13-exposed wheat (Triticum aestivum) through arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) into root- and hyphae-associated soil microbial communities. Intraradical hyphae of AM fungi were significantly C-13-enriched compared to other root-cortex areas after 8h of labelling. Immature fine root areas close to the root tip, where AM features were absent, showed signs of passive C loss and co-location of photoassimilates with nitrogen taken up from the soil solution. A significant and exclusively fresh proportion of C-13-photosynthates was delivered through the AM pathway and was utilised by different microbial groups compared to C directly released by roots. Our results indicate that a major release of recent photosynthates into soil leave plant roots via AM intraradical hyphae already upstream of passive root exudations. AM fungi may act as a rapid hub for translocating fresh plant C to soil microbes.
Language
English
Source (journal)
New phytologist. - Oxford
Publication
Oxford : 2015
ISSN
0028-646X
DOI
10.1111/NPH.13138
Volume/pages
205 :4 (2015) , p. 1537-1551
ISI
000349386300024
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.10.2018
Last edited 17.02.2023
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