Untersuchungen zur Gewinnung von Wurzelabscheidungen bei Apfel (Malus × domestica Borkh.)

Abstract

Various methodes for root exudation depending on the plant variety, growth substrate have been investigated so far, among them percolation and root washing are in common use. Both methods have advantages as well as disadvantages, e. g., the applicability of the percolation method is restricted to coarse, easy to exhauste substrates whereas root washing involves a higher risk for root damage.

In experiments, especially where soil-born pathogen and their interactions with plants are involved, the growth conditions have to be as close as possible to the natural habitat. In these cases, the use of soil becomes necessary. Therefore, the present work estimates the risk for root damage when root exudates of apple seedling (Malus × domestica Borkh.) are collected by root washing using ³²P method as indicator for nutrient uptake. Resultes from phosphate uptake experiments indicate that root-washing with cold (20 °C) water did not result in a significant root damage whereas the application of warm (60 °C) decreased the nutrient uptake slightly. In another experiment with previously ³²P-labelled roots no significant losses of radioactivity during root-washing was observed at both temperatures indicating that the plant cells did not leak and remained undamaged.