RHIZOPHOS · Effect of Medicago truncatula genotype on the microbial community and the bioavailability of phosphorus in the rhizosphere

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Project objective

Phosphorus (P) is one of the least mobile and available soil nutrients to plants. Generally, plants require almost 10-times the concentration P available in most soils for optimal growth. Environmental concern is pressuring producers to decrease the amount of P fertilisers applied to soils. Using P-efficient plant genotypes that can adequately grow in low P soils may be an alternative to P fertilisers. Mechanisms which increase P availability to plants include proton release (root-induced acidification) and the exudation of organic anions in the rhizosphere. These processes increase the solubility of P in the soil and the availability of P to plants. Plant association with rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi indirectly and directly influence P availability to plants, but this also depends on plant genotype. How do these associations actually impact on the root processes that influence P availability? This collaborative project involving soil chemists, microbiologists, microbial ecologists, and plant physiologists will investigate how mutants of Medicago truncatula that cannot form rhizobial and/or mycorrhizal fungal associations, influence plant mechanisms that increase P availability. The research is unique as it fosters a multidisciplinary approach to study the complex interactions between plants, microorganisms and soil, using techniques that, as closely as possible, mimic the conditions encountered by roots and microorganisms in the natural soil environment.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE · PARISCoordinatorFrance

Links

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