Index >> Population Interactions >> Effect of plant growth on Rhizosphere Microflora

Initially, carbohydrate and mucilaginous exudates from plant roots stimulate the growth of microorganisms rapidly within the grooves on the root surface and within the mucilaginous sheath (rhizoplane). After the plant matures, autolysis of some of the root materials take place and simple sugars and amino acids are released into the soil. This further stimulates the growth of bacteria with high intrinsic growth rates, e.g. Pseudomonas. As a result of these effects, the rhizosphere microflora consists of higher proportion of gram negative rods and a lower proportion of gram positive rods, cocci and pleomorphic forms. A relatively higher proportion of motile, rapidly growing bacteria are also seen.