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Plant-Associated Microbes Alter Root Growth by Modulating Root Apical Meristem
Anwar Hussain1, Husna2, Ihsan Ullah3
1Department of Botany, Garden Campus, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. drhussain@awkum.edu.pk.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 5, 2019
Summary
Rhizobacteria influence plant growth by altering plant hormones. This study details methods to track changes in cytokinin (CKs) and auxin (IAA) levels and gene expression in roots after rhizobacterial inoculation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rhizobacteria produce signal molecules affecting plant growth.
- Microbial phytohormones contribute to the plant's endogenous hormone pool.
- Phytohormone balance is crucial for plant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for studying gene expression regulation in root apical meristems.
- To investigate rhizobacteria's impact on plant hormone levels and root growth.
- To dissect plant signaling pathways affected by rhizobacteria.
Main Methods:
- Rhizobacterial inoculation of plants.
- Quantification of in planta cytokinin (CKs) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels.
- RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in root apical meristems.
- Root growth analysis.
Main Results:
- Rhizobacteria modulate endogenous CK and IAA levels in plants.
- These hormonal changes correlate with altered root growth.
- RNA sequencing reveals specific plant signaling pathways regulated by rhizobacteria.
Conclusions:
- Rhizobacteria significantly impact plant growth through phytohormone modulation.
- The study provides protocols for analyzing rhizobacteria-plant interactions at the molecular level.
- Understanding these pathways can lead to improved agricultural practices.
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