Collection of sterile root exudates from foliar pathogen-inoculated plants

Abstract

In nature and agriculture, plants interact with an astonishing number of microbes, collectively referred to as the "plant microbiome." Roots are a microbial hotspot where beneficial plant-microbe interactions are established that support plant growth and provide protection against pathogens and insects. Recently, we discovered that in response to foliar pathogen attack, plant roots can recruit specific protective microbes into the rhizosphere. Root exudates play an essential role in the interaction between plant roots and rhizosphere microbiota. In order to study the chemical communication between plant roots and the rhizosphere microbiome, it is essential to study the metabolite profile of root exudates. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for the collection of sterile root exudates that are secreted by Arabidopsis thaliana roots in response to inoculation of the leaves with the biotrophic pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis.