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Systemically suppressed isoflavonoids and their stimulating effects on nodulation and mycorrhization in alfalfa split-root systems

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Abstract

In split-root systems of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), already existing nodules or arbuscular mycorrhizal roots suppress further establishment of symbiosis in other root parts, a phenomenon named autoregulation. Roots treated with rhizobial nodulation signals (Nod factors) induce a similar systemic suppression of symbiosis.

In order to test the hypothesis that flavonoids play a role in this systemic suppression, split-root systems of alfalfa plants were inoculated on one side of the split-root system with Sinorhizobium meliloti or Glomus mosseae or were treated with Nod factor. HPLC-analysis of alfalfa root extracts from both sides of the split-root system revealed a persistent local and systemic accumulation pattern of some flavonoids associated with the different treatments. The two flavonoids, formononetin and ononin, could be identified to be similarily altered after rhizobial or mycorrhizal inoculation or when treated with Nod factor.

Exogenous application of formononetin and ononin partially restored nodulation and mycorrhization pointing towards the involvement of these two secondary compounds in the autoregulation of both symbioses.

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Abbreviations

AMF :

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

NFs :

Nod factors

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially funded by a OECD grant to H.V.C.S. was supported by the Science and Technology Department of Guangdong and by the Guangdong Natural Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CRBF, Faculté de Foresterie et de Géomatique, Université Laval, Pavillon C.-E. Marchand, , G1K 7P4, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada

    Jean Guy Catford, Geneviève Larose & Yves Piché

  2. State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen (Zhongshan) University, Xingangxi Road 135, Guangzhou, 510275, China

    Christian Staehelin

  3. Department für Angewandte Pflanzenwissenschaften und Pflanzenbiotechnologie, Institut für Pflanzenschutz, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Peter-Jordan-Str. 82, A-1190, Wien, Austria

    Horst Vierheilig

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  1. Jean Guy Catford
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  2. Christian Staehelin
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  3. Geneviève Larose
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  5. Horst Vierheilig
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Correspondence to Horst Vierheilig.

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Catford, J.G., Staehelin, C., Larose, G. et al. Systemically suppressed isoflavonoids and their stimulating effects on nodulation and mycorrhization in alfalfa split-root systems. Plant Soil 285, 257–266 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-006-9012-8

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