Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s11104-022-05633-9
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Physico-chemical properties of maize (Zea mays L.) mucilage differ with the collection system and corresponding root type and developmental stage of the plant
Author Werner, L.M.; Knott, M.; Diehl, D.; Ahmed, M.A.; Banfield, C.; Dippold, M.; Vetterlein, D.; Wimmer, M.A.
Source Titel Plant and Soil
Year 2022
Department BOSYS
Volume 478
Issue 1-2
Page From 103
Page To 117
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11104-022-05633-9/MediaObjects/11104_2022_5633_MOESM1_ESM.docx
https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11104-022-05633-9/MediaObjects/11104_2022_5633_MOESM2_ESM.docx
Keywords Mucilage collection; Root type; Rhizosphere; Mucilage properties
Abstract

Purpose

Mucilage plays crucial roles in root-soil interactions. Collection systems for maize (Zea mays L.) use primary and seminal roots of aeroponically-grown seedlings (CSA), or brace roots of soil-grown plants (CSB). While each method represents specific plant developmental stages, and root types growing in specific (micro-)environments, these factors are rarely considered. It is unclear whether mucilage exhibits distinct physico-chemical properties related to collection system-inherent factors.

Methods

Mucilage of maize genotype B73 was collected from systems CSA and CSB. Chemical composition was assessed by pH, nutrient contents, neutral sugar composition, and polysaccharide polymer length. Viscosity, surface tension and contact angle represented physical properties.

Results

The share of hexoses among total polysaccharides was 11% higher in CSB than in CSA, whereas pentoses were predominant in CSA, together with higher nutrient concentrations and pH values. Mannose was detected only in CSB, which also exhibited higher surface tension, viscosity and contact angle compared to CSA.

Conclusions

Physico-chemical differences between the two mucilages are related to root type functions, environmental root growth conditions, and plant developmental state. Higher fractions of pentoses in CSA mucilage seem related to semi-sterile system conditions. Higher viscosity of CSB mucilage might reflect the need for enhanced water holding capacity of brace roots growing in drier conditions. A strong influence of environmental factors on mucilage properties even for a single genotype might play additional roles e.g. in the attraction of microbiomes. These aspects are relevant when assessing the role of mucilage in the rhizosphere, or when developing models of rhizosphere processes.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=26530
Werner, L.M., Knott, M., Diehl, D., Ahmed, M.A., Banfield, C., Dippold, M., Vetterlein, D., Wimmer, M.A. (2022):
Physico-chemical properties of maize (Zea mays L.) mucilage differ with the collection system and corresponding root type and developmental stage of the plant
Plant Soil 478 (1-2), 103 - 117 10.1007/s11104-022-05633-9