The balance between rhizosphere carboxylates and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in wheat phosphorus acquisition

Abstract Background Changes in plant growth and root traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) vary depending on the level of phosphorus (P) supply. Two important strategies for P acquisition in wheat are the release of carboxylates into the rhizosphere and the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi...

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Main Authors: Zitian Pu, Ruifang Zhang, Chi Zhang, Hong Wang, Xin-Xin Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:BMC Plant Biology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-07023-6
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Summary:Abstract Background Changes in plant growth and root traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) vary depending on the level of phosphorus (P) supply. Two important strategies for P acquisition in wheat are the release of carboxylates into the rhizosphere and the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, the relationship between root exudates and P concentration in the shoot and root, as well as the role of AMF in this process, is not yet fully understood. This study was conducted utilizing three P supply rates (0, 50, and 200 mg P kg−1 soil) in conjunction with AMF inoculation. We examined the effects of AMF on amount of rhizosphere carboxylates and plant P uptake for nine P contrasting wheat genotypes. Results AMF decreased carboxylates, root biomass, root P content of wheat, and AMF reduced wheat root P allocation of wheat under all P levels. Notably, at 50 mg kg−1 P level, the shoot P concentration of AMF-inoculated wheat exceeded that of other P levels, having a positive mycorrhizal responsiveness in all wheat genotypes. Furthermore, analysis revealed that wheat root morphology and acid phosphatase activity significantly influenced mycorrhizal growth responsiveness, while root carboxylates played a significant role in mycorrhizal P responsiveness. Conclusions The P acquisition of wheat was found to be contingent upon the interplay of root morphology, AMF, and carboxylate levels, with AMF and carboxylate playing a more crucial role in enhancing P absorption. Consequently, the current research provides important insights for nutrient management in wheat agricultural cultivation.
ISSN:1471-2229