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Title: Plasma membrane theory in nutrient uptake and rhizotoxicity

Author
item KOYAMA, HIROYUKI - GIFU UNIV, GIFU, JAPAN
item KOBAYASHI, YASUFUMI - OKAYAMA U, KURASHIKI, JPN
item Kinraide, Thomas
item WAGATSUMA, TADOA - YAMAGATA U, YAMAGATA, JPN

Submitted to: Japanese Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/14/2008
Publication Date: 12/20/2008
Citation: Koyama, H., Kobayashi, Y., Kinraide, T.B., Wagatsuma, T. 2008. Plasma membrane theory in nutrient uptake and rhizotoxicity. Japanese Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 79:500-504.

Interpretive Summary: A clear understanding of plant-ion interactions is required to address problems of plant nutrition, toxicity, and the alleviation of toxicity (ions are electrically charged solutes such as Ca 2+ or Na +). One or a combination of these problems limits productivity and persistence of pasture species (and other agronomic species) in vast regions of the world, including humid temperate regions such as Appalachia. For about twenty years electrostatic theory in the form of the Gouy-Chapman-Stern model has been applied to the topic of interactions between plant roots and ionic solutes. This model is based upon empirical measurements as well as electrostatic theory. Use of this model has clarified many aspects of plant-ion interactions, and conclusions based upon the model have been widely accepted. Nevertheless, use of the model has been limited because of its technical and mathematical nature. The present contribution attempts to make the model more accessible to Japanese readers.

Technical Abstract: A clear understanding of plant-ion interactions is required to address problems of plant nutrition, toxicity, and the alleviation of toxicity. One or a combination of these problems limits productivity and persistence of pasture species (and other agronomic species) in vast regions of the world. For about twenty years electrostatic theory in the form of the Gouy-Chapman-Stern model has been applied to the topic of interactions between plant roots and ionic solutes. Plant cell walls and cell membranes carry negative surface charges under most conditions. These charges create a negative electrical potential that attracts cations and repels anions. These ions, in turn, alter the electrical potential through binding and electrical screening. A combination of adsorption studies and surface electrical potential measurements (zeta potential measurements) has enabled the development of a model with defined parameters. Use of this model has clarified many aspects of plant-ion interactions, and conclusions based upon the model have been widely accepted. Nevertheless, use of the model has been limited because of its technical and mathematical nature. The present contribution attempts to make the model more accessible to Japanese readers.