Work

Root Exudate-Mediated Interactions Among Maize, Sorghum, and Soybean During Germination and Early Development

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Designing sustainable cropping systems requires incorporating ecological principles, particularly those that improve system-level function through species diversity. Intercropping, growing two or more species in close proximity, offers a promising strategy to enhance productivity and reduce input reliance. We tested whether root exudates from maize, sorghum, and soybean influence conspecific and heterospecific germination and seedling growth. Using hydroponically collected exudates, we found species-specific effects: maize exudates reduced germination across species, soybean showed selective inhibition with broad growth promotion, and sorghum was largely unresponsive. These early exudate-mediated interactions may shape compatibility among intercrop species and inform the design of ecologically grounded cropping systems.

Source: PubMed

DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001632

Authors: Shiran Ben Zeev, Risha K. Yaragarla, Marin M. Cooney, Deerdra J. Stauch, Guojie Wang

Institution: Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4412785262

FWCI: 0.503

Cites:

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10