A centrifuge-based method for identifying novel genetic traits that affect root-substrate adhesion inArabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

SummaryThe physical presence of roots and the compounds they release affect the cohesion between roots and their environment. However, the plant traits that are most important for these interactions are unknown and most methods that quantify the contributions of these traits are time-intensive and require specialist equipment and complex substrates.We used an inexpensive, high-throughput phenotyping assay to test its sensitivity and versatility for discovering root traits and novel genes important for root-substrate adhesion. This assay measures the centrifugal force required to detach Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings from an agar medium.Using this method, we identified root hair shapes, vesicle trafficking pathways and root exudate composition that are important for root-substrate adhesion. We used the assay to conduct a genetic screen and discovered a previously uncharacterised ABC transporter. This demonstrates how this assay can be used to identify novel genes that affect root-substrate interactions.This assay is a powerful tool for identifying and quantifying genetic contributions to cohesion between roots and their environment.

A Centrifuge-Based Method for Identifying Novel Genetic Traits That Affect Root-Substrate Adhesion in Arabidopsis thaliana

“…This manuscript has been released as a preprint at http://doi. org/10.1101/2020.05.14.095448 (Eldridge et al, 2020).…”