The effect of microorganisms and heavy metals on the exudation of low molecular weight organic compounds by plant roots

Abstract

The aim of our research was to study the effect of growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Variovorax paradoxus) and toxic elements (Al, Cd and Hg) on the root exudation in various pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes. For this, methods of periodic cultures, gnotobiotic plant-microbial systems, ICPE and UPLC were used. It was established that rhizobacteria actively utilized organic acids and sugars secreted by the roots and contributed to an increase in pH and Al immobilization in the rhizosphere. Cadmium increased the exudation of many substances of pea line SGE, but this effect was more pronounced in the mutant SGECdt. Stimulation of the exudation of amino acids was detected during Hg treatment to a greater extent in wild-type SGE. The combined action of Cd and Hg did not lead to a further increase in exudation. The results obtained indicate various mechanisms of exudation of the studied fractions, while the most pronounced differences are observed between the fractions of amino acids or sugars with organic acids. Exudation of organic acids plays an important role in the decreased stability and accumulation of Hg by the pea mutant SGECdt.