New nylon fiber protein extraction method advances hydroponic rhizosphere microbiome studies

Abstract

Hydroponics, although an innovative and efficient method for growing crops, often provides conditions suitable for root rot, commonly caused by Pythium ultimum (syn. Globisporangium ultimum), a plant pathogen to which garnet red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) microgreens are particularly susceptible. This study explored the effects of two root rot biocontrol products on hydroponic A. tricolor microgreens. Six hydroponic tanks were set up with A. tricolor microgreen seeds on burlap and treated with Hydroguard (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by Botanicare) and Orca (liquid mycorrhizae by Plant Success). The pH was maintained at an average of 6.1, the fertilizer concentration at 1.5 mS/cm³, and the temperature at 23 °C. Hydroponic water samples were collected from effluent, and proteins were then isolated using a newly developed nylon fiber technology dyed with Sudan IV red. Gel electrophoresis results indicated that the nylon protein extraction method successfully captured proteins from the water samples. Observation results showed that control tanks had greater root coverage on average compared to the treated roots. This suggests that the inoculants have a negative effect on root growth. However, these findings are confounded by the unintended inconsistencies in irrigation flow rate. More trials with reliable irrigation are needed to gauge the effects of different microbial inoculants on hydroponic microgreens. Nylon fiber extraction from effluent water presents a new easy method that can advance research in hydroponic pathogens and microbial treatments.