The quantification of root exudation by an in-situ method based on root morphology over three incubation periods.

Abstract

Investigating the quantity and spatiotemporal dynamics of metabolite release from plant roots is essential if we are to understand the ecological significance of root exudates in the rhizosphere; however, this is difficult to quantify. In the present study, we quantified in situ root exudation rates during three incubation periods (0-24, 24-48, and 48-72 h) and fine roots within four diameter ranges ( Pinus massoniana . Higher root carbon (C) exudation rates were detected during the 0-24 h period. During the 0-24 h and 24-48 h periods, nitrogen (N) uptake rates were higher than N exudation rates, while during the 48-72 h period, N exudation rates exceeded uptake rates. As C exudation increased during 0-48h incubation period, the uptake of N tended to level out. We concluded that the 24-48 h incubation period was the most suitable for capturing root exudates from P. massoniana. The exudation of C from the roots was positively associated with root mass, length, surface area, volume, the number of root tips, and the root tissue density, when incubated for 0-24 h and 24-48 h. Furthermore, length-specific C exudation rates, along with N exudation and uptake rates, all increased as the diameter of the fine roots increased. The release of root exudates could be efficiently predicted by the fine root morphological traits, although the accuracy of prediction depended on the incubation period. Higher values for fine root morphological traits were generally indicative of higher nutrient requirements and tissue investment, as well as higher C exudation rates.

Plant phenotyping relevance

根系形態形質を用いて根の炭素・窒素放出を定量・予測する手法が研究の中心であり、単なる生物学的測定ではない。

Code and data availability

The article describes in-situ root exudation and root morphology measurements for Pinus massoniana, but no public phenotype dataset, root scan images, analysis code, or model deposit is identified. The data availability statement only points to the article/supplementary material and directs further inquiries to the对应作者

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