High-resolution chemical imaging of labile phosphorus in the rhizosphere of Brassica napus L. cultivars

Phosphorus is a major limiting factor in plant growth and crop production. Phosphorus solubilisation, uptake by plant roots and efflux lead to complex, dynamic cycling of P in the vicinity of plant roots. However, direct observation of P dynamics in the rhizosphere at relevant spatial scales (sub-mm) is still lacking. Chemical imaging of the dissolved P concentration around Brassica napus roots was accomplished using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) coupled with laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Mathematical simulations served for investigating the capabilities of the chemical imaging technique. We show here, for the first time, localised P release along root axes and at root apices. Our results point at differential P uptake efficiencies of the two investigated B. napus cultivars. This study advances the current understanding of P dynamics in the rhizosphere and thus of plant P nutrition. This technique can serve to unravel the genotypic effects on rhizosphere mobilisation of P and hence assist breeding of highly P efficient crop cultivars.

► We present a method for chemical imaging of P in close proximity to plant roots.
► Study of small-scale rhizosphere P dynamics of two Brassica napus L. cultivars.
► Mathematical modelling is used as validation tool.
► Differences in P uptake from soil of the cultivars are shown.
► This method can support cultivar selection in plant breeding.