Journal Article

PreJuSER-4472

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Plant defence against nematodes is not mediated by changes in the soil microbial community

Wurst, S. ; van Beersum, S. ; Wagenaar, R. ; Bakx-Schotman, T. ; Drigo, B. ; Janzik, I.FZJ* ; Lanoue, A. ; van der Putten, W. H.

2009
Wiley-Blackwell Oxford [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2435.2009.01543.x

Abstract: Indirect plant defence, the recruitment of antagonists of herbivores, is well-known above the ground. In spite of various soil microorganisms acting as antagonists to root herbivores, it is still largely unknown whether plants can promote antagonistic microorganisms as an indirect defence mechanism. 2 In a greenhouse study we examined whether soil microorganisms could mediate plant defence against plant-feeding nematodes. Growth, nutrient contents and root exudation of three plant species (Plantago lanceolata, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus) and the performance of nematodes and fungal communities in the rhizospheres were measured. 3 The plant species differed in their effects on plant-feeding nematodes; however, the addition of soil microorganisms did not enhance nematode control. Nematode addition changed root exudation patterns and rhizosphere fungal community structure in a plant species-specific manner. Glucose levels in the root exudates of all three examined plant species were enhanced, and P. lanceolata root exudates contained higher levels of fumaric acid when nematodes had been added. 4 We conclude that nematodes have plant species-specific effects on root exudate chemistry and rhizosphere fungal community composition, but these effects do not necessarily enhance indirect control of nematodes by antagonistic microorganisms. More studies on below-ground plant defence are definitely needed.

Keyword(s): plant resistance (auto) ; indirect defence (auto) ; soil microorganisms (auto) ; nematodes (auto) ; fungal community (auto) ; PCR-DGGE (auto) ; root exudates (auto)

Note: We thank Wietse de Boer for advice on the microorganism treatments and Arjen Biere for kindly providing the seeds of the Plantago lanceolata lines. This study was financed by the EU funded Marie-Curie training network BIORHIZ (Biotic interactions in the rhizosphere as structuring forces for plant communities MRTN-CT-2003-505090). Publication 4478 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).

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Research Program(s):

1. Terrestrische Umwelt (P24)

Appears in the scientific report 2009

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