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Effect of aeration status of nutrient solution on microorganisms, mucilage and ultrastructure of wheat roots

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Summary

Outer layers of wheat roots grown in aerated and unaerated nutrient solutions were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Root growth was considerably impaired in unaerated nutrient solution. In contrast to aerated roots, no mucilaginous layer but dense bacterial colonization were observed on the root caps of unaerated roots. The root cap mucilage had apparently been decomposed by the microorganisms. The peripheral root cap cells of the unaerated roots appeared to contain less cell organelles than those of the aerated roots, while the central cap cells and the meristematic cells of the root tip seemed not to be affected by lack of aeration. The bacterial population in the elongation, root hair, and lateral root zones, was also remarkably higher on roots grown in unaerated nutrient solution. In the lateral root zone of unaerated roots, even the cortical cells were invaded by bacteria.

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Trolldenier, G., Hecht-Buchholz, C. Effect of aeration status of nutrient solution on microorganisms, mucilage and ultrastructure of wheat roots. Plant Soil 80, 381–390 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02140045

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02140045

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