DNA based diagnostic for the quantification of sugarcane root DNA in the field.

Abstract

Plant root systems play many key roles including nutrient and water uptake, interface with soil microorganisms and resistance to lodging. As for other crops, large and systematic studies of sugarcane root systems have always been hampered by the opaque and solid nature of the soil. In recent years, methods for efficient extraction of DNA from soil and for species-specific DNA amplification have been developed. Such tools could have potential to greatly improve root phenotyping and health diagnostic capability in sugarcane. In this paper, we present a fast, specific and efficient method for the quantification of sugarcane live root cells in soil samples. Previous studies were typically based on mass and length, so we established a calibration to convert root DNA quantity to live root mass. This diagnostic was validated on field samples and used to investigate the fate of the root system after harvest prior to regrowth of the ratoon crop. Two weeks after harvest, the sugarcane roots from the previous crop were still viable. This raises the question of the role that the root system of the harvested crop plays in the performance of the next crop and demonstrates how this test can be used to answer research questions.

Plant phenotyping relevance

糖蔗の生根量をDNA量から推定する方法を開発し、根質量への較正と圃場サンプルでの検証を行っており、根系フェノタイピングが研究の中心である。

Code and data availability

The paper's phenotype datasets (root DNA quantification, calibration, field trial measurements) are not publicly deposited; the authors state they are available only on request. No public code, images, or model assets are provided.

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