Root colonization by indigenous and introduced microorganisms

Abstract

Root colonization is defined as the proliferation of microorganisms in, on, or around roots. It includes dispersal of microorganisms from a source of inoculum to the actively growing root, and multiplication or growth in the rhizosphere. Soil physical, chemical, and biological factors have been shown to affect root colonization, but few phenotypic attributes of plants and microorganisms which contribute to successful root colonization have been identified. Quantitative studies on the distributon of root colonists in time and space are needed to develop mathematical models that describe and predict the root colonization process. This would enable more effective management of rhizosphere populations to achieve biological control of soilborne disease or to enhance plant growth.