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Rojas-Pinzon PA, Prommer J, Sedlacek CJ, Sandén T, Spiegel H, Pjevac P, Fuchslueger L, Giguere AT. Inhibition profile of three biological nitrification inhibitors and their response to soil pH modification in two contrasting soils. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae072. [PMID: 38702852 PMCID: PMC11110862 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Up to 70% of the nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied to agricultural soils is lost through microbially mediated processes, such as nitrification. This can be counteracted by synthetic and biological compounds that inhibit nitrification. However, for many biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs), the interaction with soil properties, nitrifier specificity, and effective concentrations are unclear. Here, we investigated three synthetic nitrification inhibitors (SNIs) (DCD, DMPP, and nitrapyrin) and three BNIs [methyl 3(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (MHPP), methyl 3(4-hydroxyphenyl) acrylate (MHPA), and limonene] in two agricultural soils differing in pH and nitrifier communities. The efficacies of SNIs and BNIs were resilient to short-term pH changes in the neutral pH soil, whereas the efficacy of some BNIs increased by neutralizing the alkaline soil. Among the BNIs, MHPA showed the highest inhibition and was, together with MHPP, identified as a putative AOB/comammox-selective inhibitor. Additionally, MHPA and limonene effectively inhibited nitrification at concentrations comparable to those used for DCD. Moreover, we identified the effective concentrations at which 50% and 80% of inhibition is observed (EC50 and EC80) for the BNIs, and similar EC80 values were observed in both soils. Overall, our results show that these BNIs could potentially serve as effective alternatives to SNIs currently used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Rojas-Pinzon
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Prommer
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher J Sedlacek
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Taru Sandén
- Department for Soil Health and Plant Nutrition, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heide Spiegel
- Department for Soil Health and Plant Nutrition, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Pjevac
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Environment and Climate Hub, University of Vienna, Augasse 2/6, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucia Fuchslueger
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Environment and Climate Hub, University of Vienna, Augasse 2/6, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrew T Giguere
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
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Egenolf K, Schöne J, Conrad J, Braunberger C, Beifuß U, Arango J, Rasche F. Root exudate fingerprint of Brachiaria humidicola reveals vanillin as a novel and effective nitrification inhibitor. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1192043. [PMID: 38116382 PMCID: PMC10728723 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1192043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) is defined as the plant-mediated control of soil nitrification via the release of nitrification inhibitors. BNI of Brachiaria humidicola (syn. Urochloa humidicola) has been mainly attributed to root-exuded fusicoccane-type diterpenes, e.g., 3-epi-brachialactone. We hypothesized, however, that BNI of B. humidicola is caused by an assemblage of bioactive secondary metabolites. Methods: B. humidicola root exudates were collected hydroponically, and metabolites were isolated by semi-preparative HPLC. Chemical structures were elucidated by HRMS as well as 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Nitrification inhibiting potential of isolated metabolites was evaluated by a Nitrosomonas europaea based bioassay. Results and discussion: Besides previously described brachialactone isomers and derivatives, five phenol and cinnamic acid derivatives were identified in the root exudates of B. humidicola: 2-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)benzaldehyde, vanillin, umbelliferone and both trans- and cis-2,6-dimethoxycinnamic acid. Notably, vanillin revealed a substantially higher nitrification inhibiting activity than 3-epi-brachialactone (ED50 ∼ 12.5 μg·ml-1, ED80 ∼ 20 μg·ml-1), identifying this phenolic aldehyde as novel nitrification inhibitor (NI). Furthermore, vanillin exudation rates were in the same range as 3-epi-brachialactone (1-4 μg·h-1·g-1 root DM), suggesting a substantial contribution to the overall inhibitory activity of B. humidicola root exudates. In relation to the verification of the encountered effects within soils and considering the exclusion of any detrimental impact on the soil microbiome, the biosynthetic pathway of vanillin via the precursor phenylalanine and the intermediates p-coumaric acid/ferulic acid (precursors of further phenolic NI) might constitute a promising BNI breeding target. This applies not only to Brachiaria spp., but also to crops in general, owing to the highly conserved nature of these metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Egenolf
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Tropical Forages Program, The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
| | - Jochen Schöne
- Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Conrad
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Uwe Beifuß
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jacobo Arango
- Tropical Forages Program, The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
| | - Frank Rasche
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Ghatak A, Chaturvedi P, Waldherr S, Subbarao GV, Weckwerth W. PANOMICS at the interface of root-soil microbiome and BNI. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:106-122. [PMID: 36229336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrification and denitrification are soil biological processes responsible for large nitrogen losses from agricultural soils and generation of the greenhouse gas (GHG) N2O. Increased use of nitrogen fertilizer and the resulting decline in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) are a major concern in agroecosystems. This nitrogen cycle in the rhizosphere is influenced by an intimate soil microbiome-root exudate interaction and biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). A PANOMICS approach can dissect these processes. We review breakthroughs in this area, including identification and characterization of root exudates by metabolomics and proteomics, which facilitate better understanding of belowground chemical communications and help identify new biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs). We also address challenges for advancing the understanding of the role root exudates play in biotic and abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Ghatak
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Palak Chaturvedi
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Steffen Waldherr
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Guntur Venkata Subbarao
- Crop, Livestock and Environment Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Ibaraki 305-8686, Japan
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Metabolomics Center (VIME), University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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Synthesis of the eight-membered carbocycle of brachialactone by intramolecular Mizoroki-Heck reaction. Tetrahedron Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.153608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ding Y, Northen TR, Khalil A, Huffaker A, Schmelz EA. Getting back to the grass roots: harnessing specialized metabolites for improved crop stress resilience. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:174-186. [PMID: 34129999 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Roots remain an understudied site of complex and important biological interactions mediating plant productivity. In grain and bioenergy crops, grass root specialized metabolites (GRSM) are central to key interactions, yet our basic knowledge of the chemical language remains fragmentary. Continued improvements in plant genome assembly and metabolomics are enabling large-scale advances in the discovery of specialized metabolic pathways as a means of regulating root-biotic interactions. Metabolomics, transcript coexpression analyses, forward genetic studies, gene synthesis and heterologous expression assays drive efficient pathway discoveries. Functional genetic variants identified through genome wide analyses, targeted CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, and both native and non-native overexpression studies critically inform novel strategies for bioengineering metabolic pathways to improve plant traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezhang Ding
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Trent R Northen
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Ahmed Khalil
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alisa Huffaker
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric A Schmelz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Egenolf K, Verma S, Schöne J, Klaiber I, Arango J, Cadisch G, Neumann G, Rasche F. Rhizosphere pH and cation-anion balance determine the exudation of nitrification inhibitor 3-epi-brachialactone suggesting release via secondary transport. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 172:116-123. [PMID: 33280124 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) of Brachiaria humidicola has been attributed to nitrification-inhibiting fusicoccanes, most prominently 3-epi-brachialactone. However, its release mechanism from B. humidicola roots remains elusive. Two hydroponic experiments were performed to investigate the role of rhizosphere pH and nutritional N form in regulating 3-epi-brachialactone release by B. humidicola and verify the underlying release pathway. Low rhizosphere pH and NH4 + nutrition promoted 3-epi-brachialactone exudation. However, the substitution of NH4 + by K+ revealed that the NH4 + effect was not founded in a direct physiological response to the N form but was related to the cation-anion balance during nutrient uptake. Release of 3-epi-brachialactone correlated with the transmembrane proton gradient ΔpH and NH4 + uptake (R2 = 0.92 for high ~6.8 and R2 = 0.84 for low ~4.2 trap solution pH). This corroborated the release of 3-epi-brachialactone through secondary transport, with the proton motive force (ΔP) defining transport rates across the plasma membrane. It was concluded that 3-epi-brachialactone release cannot be conceptualized as a regulated response to soil pH or NH4 + availability, but merely as the result of associated changes in ΔP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Egenolf
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Tropical Forages Program, The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
| | - Supriya Verma
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Crop Science and Plant Breeding, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jochen Schöne
- Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Iris Klaiber
- Mass Spectrometry Unit, Core Facility Hohenheim, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jacobo Arango
- Department of Tropical Forages Program, The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
| | - Georg Cadisch
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Günter Neumann
- Institute of Crop Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Frank Rasche
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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