Combining X-ray CT and PET imaging to quantify changes in carbon
allocation in Maize with AMF
Abstract
The symbiosis between crops and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have
become an attractive route towards achieving carbon neutral agriculture
and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Yet, our understanding of
how active AMF infections influence the uptake, allocation, and exchange
of carbon is limited. Here, we combine X-ray CT and PET imaging to
observe and quantify the flow of carbon from leaves to roots to hyphae.
Comparison of maize grown with and without AMF allows us to measure
changes in the amount of 11CO2 taken up in leaves and subsequently the
amount of 11C allocated to below-ground roots. Then, co-registered CT
and PET images are used to identify hot spots which may indicate active
AMF infection sites. Finally, analysis of 11C kinetics at these hot
spots are used to assess the amount of carbon exchanged between maize
roots and hyphae. By combining structural and biochemical information,
we begin to deepen our understanding of the different types of changes
in carbon flow in Maize-AMF systems and how we can improve sustainable
agriculture efforts.