title: Nematode-enhanced microbial colonization of the wheat rhizosphere.
abstract: The mechanisms by which seed-applied bacteria colonize the rhizosphere in the absence of percolating water are poorly understood. Without mass flow, transport of bacteria by growing roots or soil animals, particularly nematodes may be important. We used a sand-based microcosm system to investigate the ability of three species of nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans, Acrobeloides thornei and a Cruznema sp.) to promote rhizosphere colonization by four strains of beneficial rhizobacteria. In nearly all cases, rhizosphere colonization was substantially increased by the presence of nematodes, irrespective of bacterial or nematode species. Our results suggest that nematodes are important vectors for bacteria rhizosphere colonization in the absence of percolating water.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: O G G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Knox
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Killham
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Mullins
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000254:growth & development; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D017753:Ecosystem; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000382:microbiology*; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000254:growth & development; D017168:Rhabditida / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology*; D017172:Rhabditoidea / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D012639:Seeds / Q000382:microbiology; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D014908:Triticum / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil