Amino mapping: possibility to visualize amino-N compounds in the rhizosphere of Zea Mays L.

Abstract Understanding N uptake by plants, the cycle, and their relationship to soil heterogeneity has generated a great deal of interest in distribution amino-N compounds soil. Visualization spatial can provide insights into role labile plant-microbial mechanisms acquisition plant uptake, but until now, it remained technically challenging. Here, we describe novel technique visualize at root-soil interface. The is based on time-lapse amino mapping (TLAM) using membranes saturated with fluorogenic OPAME reagent ( O -phthalaldehyde β-mercaptoethanol). membrane reacts organic containing NH 2 functional group membrane-soil interface, generating fluorescent product visible under UV light detectable digital camera. TLAM amino-mapping was applied quantify concentration rhizosphere maize Zea Mays L.). A ten times greater detected compared non-rhizosphere high content mainly associated root tips 3 larger than average seminal roots. broader around other parts We concluded that promising approach for monitoring fate soils. However, needs be standardized different types, species, climate conditions allow wider application.