Characterization of root exudates of black oat in the presence of interspecific weed species neighbours and intraspecific neighbours, and their effects on root traits
Root exudates are composed of primary and secondary organic compounds that function as signalling molecules and play important roles in plant-environment interactions. The quantity and composition of root exudates vary depending on the species, genotype, and environmental conditions, including the presence and identity of neighbouring plants. Although cover crops are commonly used in agricultural practices for their ecosystem services, such as weed suppression, pathogen control, and soil structure improvement, studies on their root exudates are limited. Our study provides the first characterization of the root exudates of black oat interacting with weed neighbours, redroot pigweed and blackgrass, as well as with neighbours of the same species, black oat. We investigated how these interactions influence the black oat root exudation patterns. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of black oat presence on neighbours and how exposure to black oat root exudate treatments affects the root traits of weeds. The upregulated compounds detected in root exudates in response to neighbouring plants primarily belonged to the organic oxygen compounds superclass, with most of which identified as amino acids and carbohydrates. In the presence of redroot pigweed, a general increase in root exudation was observed, with amino acids and sugar sulphates being upregulated. The presence of black oat had varying effects among the neighbouring plants. While significant decreases observed and black oat in redroot pigweed root traits, an increase was observed in blackgrass. Similarly, more pronounced effects were observed in redroot pigweed compared to blackgrass upon root exudate application. This study provides a characterization and insights into the dynamic nature of root exudates and their influence on root traits and plant interactions.