Index >> Rhizosphere and Phyllosphere >> Novel Approaches - Biotechnology of the Rhizosphere

In a field trial, the efficacy of a strain of Pseudomonas spp. from the rhizosphere in controlling the growth of downy brome weed has been demonstrated in the USA. This approach. needs to be followed up with other weeds of many important crop plants.Manipulation of the rhizosphere to enhance microorganisms to achieve in situ bioremediation of pesticides has been attempted in some cases.

In another study, the extent of degradation of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was enhanced in soil planted with deep-rooted prairie grasses over that of unplanted soil. Similarly, the biodegradation of trichloroethylene has been shown to be significantly higher in the rhizosphere soil in comparison with the non-rhizosphere soil, an outcome that was attributed to increased root biomass.

Despite the fact that it is too early to contemplate inoculation technologies with specific microorganisms by seed coating to enhance biodegradation of xenobiotics, it can be presumed that planting high density rooting plants in contaminated soil may contribute towards scavenging contaminants in soil.