Phosphatase Activity of Intact Young Wheat Roots Under Sterile and Nonsterile Conditions

Abstract

Summary In assays of acid phosphatase activity with p‐nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate, the low activity found in fluids removed from around roots in liquid medium was not affected by the presence of micro‐organisms. Most phosphatase activity of intact seedling roots was associated with the root surface and was not increased by micro‐organisms in the rhizoplane; in some experiments activity was significantly reduced by soil micro‐organisms. Inoculation of roots with pure cultures of bacteria and a fungus known to have phosphatase activity did not increase this activity of the roots. These results are contrasted with those of other workers. Possible application to the soil situation is discussed.

Comparison of Characteristics of Acid Phosphatases Secreted from Roots of Lupin and Tomato

“…The Apase secreted from soil microorganisms is also capable of catalyzing the mineralization of organic phosphate (Ridge and Rovira 1971). However, the Apase from plant roots is secreted to the rhizosphere which is very close to the root surface.…”

Phosphatase Activity Associated With the Roots and the Rhizosphere of Plants Infected With Vesicular‐arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

“…Acid phosphatases produced by the ectomycorrhizal fungal mantle and the attached ramifying mycelium are believed to catalyze the hydrolysis of complex organic phosphorus compounds into more readily absorbed forms (Ho & Zak, 1979). Ridge & Rovira (1971) indicated that root surface phosphatases may be more important in the organic P mineralization than enzymes in the aqueous phase or bound to the surrounding soil. Antibus et al (1981) showed that the acid phosphatase activity of ectomycorrhizal roots of Salix rotundifolia Trautv.…”

THE BIOLOGY OF DAUCIFORM ROOTS IN THE SEDGE CYATHOCHAETE AVENACEA

“…Ridge and Rovira, 1971), metabolism by mycorrhizas (e.g. Murdoch, Jackobs and Gerdemann, 1967) and rhizosphere organisms (e.g.…”