Abstract
We analyse the way in which spatial arrangement of roots of plants provides a
landscape for spread of soil microorganisms. We use a pathozone concept to characterise the
behaviour at the individual root level, whereas percolation theory is used to scale-up to the
population of roots. Sectional images of living wheat roots were obtained non-destructively by
whole-body computed tomography X-ray scanning (X-ray CT). The data were subsequently
interpreted in the light of a potential for spread of a fungal pathogen, initiated from a soil
propagule and subsequently realized through a root-to-root transmission. We show that realistic
root systems can support very different potential for microorganisms spread, with rapid switches
from non-invasive to invasive behaviour. The switch can be controlled by time or nutrition
(increase in root density resulting in invasion) or properties of the pathogen or interactions with
other microorganisms (increase in pathozone width resulting in invasion). There is a substantial
variability among plants so that the depth of a zone of potential spread can significantly differ
even for plants growing under very similar conditions.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | IOBC-WPRS Bulletin |
Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the meeting at Dijon (France): Multitrophic Interactions in Soil |
Editors | Christian Steinberg, Véronique Edel-Hermann, Hanna Friberg, Claude Alabouvette, Arno Tronsmo |
Publisher | IOBC-WPRS |
Pages | 109-112 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISBN (Print) | 9789290672166 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Event | IOBC Conference Working Group: Multitrophic Interactions in Soil - Dijon, France Duration: 24 Jun 2007 → 27 Jun 2007 |
Other
Other | IOBC Conference Working Group |
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Country/Territory | France |
City | Dijon |
Period | 24/06/07 → 27/06/07 |
Keywords
- Soil microbiology