In Tennessee, scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted a meticulous analysis of the compounds released by plant roots into their surrounding environment. The analysis yielded an abundance of data that can guide research aiming to improve the way we grow energy and food crops.
Researchers have long known that the relationships plants form with microbes like bacteria and fungi can make plants more tolerant of poor growing conditions, such as drought or scant nutrients. As plants grow, they release organic molecules into the soil, a process known as rhizodeposition. This organic matter in turn affects how plants and microorganisms interact with other belowground processes.
ORNL scientists developed a new analytical framework based on metabolomics — the study of small molecules — to systematically characterize plant-derived rhizodeposits. The work produced a treasure trove of data about the diversity and relative amounts of compounds in soils, as described in Plant, Cell & Environment.
Information gleaned from the project enhances understanding of interactions among plants and microbiomes to guide the development of higher-yielding, stress-resistant varieties of crops, and the engineering of microbes that aid in crop resilience. The results enable the development of hardy, productive bioenergy feedstocks for the bioeconomy, strengthening domestic supply chains and energy security.
Tags: ORNL, rhizodeposition, Tennessee
Category: Research
