An apparatus for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by a plant promoted by mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of microbial absorption devices, and discloses a device for determining the amount of nutrients promoted by mycorrhizal fungi in plants. The device includes a labeling container, a water-absorbing element, and a filter screen. The labeling container has several through holes on its side wall. The water-absorbing element is inserted into the labeling container, with a gap between the element and the inner wall of the container. The water-absorbing element absorbs a solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, increasing its volume so that its outer wall fits snugly against the inner wall of the labeling container. The filter screen covers the side wall of the labeling container, allowing mycorrhizal fungi to pass through while blocking plant roots and soil particles. Mycorrhizal fungi can pass through the filter screen into the labeling container to absorb nutrients from the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, achieving directional absorption of isotope-labeled ions by mycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, the device is compact, portable, and can be used to determine the amount of nutrients promoted by mycorrhizal fungi in plants in the field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of plant nutrient absorption devices, and in particular to a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants. Background Technology

[0002] The roots of most terrestrial plants on Earth form a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi (a type of fungus). Mycorrhizal fungi help plants absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil, and in return, plants transfer the carbon source fixed by their own photosynthesis to the mycorrhizal fungi.

[0003] To quantify the contribution of mycorrhizal fungi to nutrient uptake, researchers often use a compartmentalized culture system combined with isotope tracing technology. The compartmentalized culture system consists of two sets, each including a plant growth chamber and a nutrient labeling chamber. One set serves as the experimental group, with the plant growth chamber separated from the nutrient labeling chamber by a nylon mesh with a pore size of 20 μm to 45 μm. In the experimental group, the pore size of the nylon mesh allows mycorrhizal fungi to pass through but prevents plant roots from entering the nutrient labeling chamber. The other set serves as the control group, with the plant growth chamber separated from the nutrient labeling chamber by a nylon mesh with a pore size of 0.5 μm. In the control group, the pore size of the nylon mesh prevents both mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots from entering the nutrient labeling chamber. During the experiment, gas is supplied to the plant growth chamber. 13 CO2, produced by plants through photosynthesis. 13 C-organic matter (such as glucose) is transported through the root system to mycorrhizal fungi; simultaneously, it is added in the nutrient labeling chamber ( 15 NH4)2SO4 solution, absorbed by mycorrhizal fungal hyphae 15 NH4 + After being converted into organic nitrogen, ions are transferred to the plant. This is detected by examining plant tissues and mycorrhizal fungal hyphae. 13 C and 15 The content of nitrogen and other isotope-labeled ions can be used to analyze the flow of elements such as carbon and nitrogen in plants, mycorrhizal fungi, and soil, and further analyze the contribution ratio of the mycorrhizal fungi pathway and the direct absorption pathway of plant roots.

[0004] However, existing compartment culture systems are mostly used in laboratory environments, making it difficult to measure the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plant nutrient uptake in the field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is:

[0006] Existing compartment culture systems are mostly used in laboratory environments, making it difficult to measure the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants in the field.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants, including a labeling container, a water-absorbing component, and a filter screen;

[0008] The side wall of the labeling container has several through holes;

[0009] The absorbent component is inserted into the marking container, with a gap reserved between the absorbent component and the inner wall of the marking container;

[0010] The absorbent element absorbs the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, which increases the volume of the absorbent element so that the outer wall of the absorbent element fits into the inner wall of the labeling container.

[0011] A filter screen is attached to the outside of the marked container. The filter screen allows mycorrhizal fungi to pass through while blocking plant roots and soil particles.

[0012] Preferably, the cross-section of the marking container is polygonal or elliptical, and the cross-sectional shape of the water-absorbing element matches the cross-section of the marking container.

[0013] Preferably, the marking container has a circular cross-section and an inner diameter of 10 mm to 15 mm.

[0014] Preferably, the water-absorbing element has a circular cross-section, a radius of 8mm to 13mm, and is made of sponge.

[0015] Preferably, the height of the absorbent element is lower than the height of the inner cavity of the marking container.

[0016] Preferably, the radius of each through hole is 2mm to 3mm, and the through holes are arranged longitudinally and laterally with intervals of 1.5mm to 2.5mm and 4mm respectively.

[0017] Preferably, the sidewall thickness of the marking container is 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the height of the marking container is 8cm to 12cm.

[0019] Preferably, the filter screen is a nylon mesh with a pore size of 20μm to 45μm.

[0020] Preferably, the top of the marked container is fitted with a lid.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plant absorption, as described in this embodiment of the invention, has the following advantages:

[0022] The absorbent element expands after absorbing water, fitting snugly against the inner wall of the labeling container without causing compression. This keeps the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions on the absorbent element. Capillary action and the surface tension barrier formed by air within the pores prevent the isotope-labeled ions from overflowing from the labeling container with the solution. The filter screen keeps plant roots and soil particles outside the labeling container. Mycorrhizal fungi can pass through the filter screen into the labeling container to absorb nutrients from the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, achieving directional absorption of isotope-labeled ions by mycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, the device is compact, portable, and can be used to measure the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants in the field. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the individual components of a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plant absorption, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a first-view schematic diagram of the marking container structure of a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a second-view schematic diagram of the marker container structure of a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants, according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a third-view schematic diagram of the marking container structure of a device for measuring the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] In the picture, 1 is the container; 2 is the water-absorbing part; 3 is the filter screen; 4 is the through hole; and 5 is the lid. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the term "isotope-labeled ion" used in this utility model refers to a specific ion formed by replacing natural element atoms with stable isotopes (such as 13C, 15N), which is used to track and quantitatively analyze the migration and metabolic processes of elements in biological systems. Its distribution in plants, mycorrhizal fungi and soil can be detected by techniques such as mass spectrometry, thereby elucidating the absorption and transport pathways of elements such as carbon and nitrogen.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the preferred embodiment of this utility model, an apparatus for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi includes a vertically placed labeling container 1 with a circular cross-section and several through holes 4 on its side wall. A water-absorbing element 2 is inserted into the labeling container 1, with a gap reserved between the water-absorbing element 2 and the inner wall of the labeling container 1. The water-absorbing element 2 absorbs a solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, which increases the volume of the water-absorbing element 2 so that its outer wall fits against the inner wall of the labeling container 1. A filter screen 3 covers the side wall of the labeling container 1, allowing mycorrhizal fungi to pass through while blocking plant roots and soil particles.

[0032] In this way, the water-absorbing element 2 expands after absorbing water, and after expansion, it fits perfectly against the inner wall of the labeling container 1 without being squeezed. This keeps the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions on the water-absorbing element 2. The surface tension barrier formed by capillary action and air in the through-hole 4 prevents the isotope-labeled ions from overflowing from the labeling container 1 with the solution. The filter screen 3 blocks the plant roots and soil particles outside the labeling container 1. Mycorrhizal fungi can pass through the filter screen 3 and enter the labeling container 1 to absorb nutrients in the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions. This achieves the directional absorption of isotope-labeled ions by mycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, the device is compact and portable, and can be used to measure the amount of nutrients that mycorrhizal fungi promote in plants in the field.

[0033] Specifically, the cross-section of the marking container 1 is circular, and the inner diameter of the marking container 1 is 10mm to 15mm. Similarly, the cross-section of the water-absorbing component 2 is circular, and the radius of the water-absorbing component 2 is 8mm to 13mm. The material of the water-absorbing component 2 is sponge, which has excellent water absorption properties. This ensures that a uniform gap is formed between the marking container 1 and the water-absorbing component 2. The high water absorption of the sponge absorbs and locks in the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, causing it to expand and tightly adhere to the inner wall of the container, thus preventing the solution from directly contacting the through hole 4 and causing leakage.

[0034] Specifically, the height of the water-absorbing component 2 is lower than the height of the inner cavity of the marking container 1. This design prevents the top of the marking container 1 from being squeezed and causing the water-absorbing component 2 to expand after absorbing water.

[0035] Specifically, the radius of each through-hole 4 is 2mm to 3mm. The through-holes 4 are arranged longitudinally and laterally with intervals of 1.5mm to 2.5mm, and the interval between the longitudinally arranged through-holes 4 is 4mm. Through the reasonable longitudinal and lateral spacing, a stable nutrient absorption environment is provided for mycorrhizal fungi.

[0036] Specifically, the sidewall thickness of the marked container 1 is 1mm to 2mm. With this wall thickness, the length of each through hole 4 is 1mm to 2mm. The air in each through hole 4 can not only form an air barrier to prevent the solution from overflowing, but also shorten the path for mycorrhizal fungi to penetrate the sidewall of the container, making it easier for mycorrhizal fungi to pass through.

[0037] Specifically, the height of container 1 is marked as 8cm to 12cm.

[0038] Specifically, filter 3 is a nylon mesh with a pore size of 20μm to 45μm. This pore size range can effectively block plant roots and soil particles while allowing mycorrhizal fungi hyphae to penetrate.

[0039] Specifically, the top of the marked container 1 is fitted with a lid 5.

[0040] In other embodiments, the cross-section of the marking container 1 is polygonal or elliptical.

[0041] In other embodiments, the absorbent element 2 is made of sodium polyacrylate.

[0042] In other embodiments, the absorbent element 2 is made of polyurethane.

[0043] The working process of this invention is as follows: After selecting the plant to be tested in the field, an installation pit of appropriate size is dug. The device is vertically placed into the pit, and the top cover is opened, allowing the absorbent to fully absorb the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions (such as 15N). After absorbing water and swelling, it fits tightly against the inner wall of the labeling container, forming a uniform gap to maintain solution distribution. Subsequently, the cover is closed and soil is backfilled to fix the device. The filter screen on the outer layer of the device allows mycorrhizal fungal hyphae to penetrate and contact the labeling solution in the absorbent, while blocking plant roots and soil particles. After absorbing the labeled nutrients through the hyphal network, the mycorrhizal fungi transfer them to the host plant. By periodically collecting plant and mycorrhizal fungal samples and detecting the content of isotope-labeled ions, the amount of nutrients that the mycorrhizal fungi promote plant absorption can be determined.

[0044] In summary, this utility model provides a device for determining the amount of nutrients promoted by mycorrhizal fungi in plant absorption. The device includes a labeling container, a water-absorbing component, and a filter screen. The water-absorbing component expands after absorbing water, fitting snugly against the inner wall of the labeling container without causing compression. This keeps the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions on the water-absorbing component. Capillary action and the surface tension barrier formed by air within the pores prevent the isotope-labeled ions from overflowing from the labeling container with the solution. The filter screen blocks plant roots and soil particles from entering the labeling container. Mycorrhizal fungi can pass through the filter screen and enter the labeling container to absorb nutrients from the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, achieving directional absorption of isotope-labeled ions by mycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, the device is compact, portable, and can be used to determine the amount of nutrients promoted by mycorrhizal fungi in plant absorption in the field.

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by a plant promoted by mycorrhizal fungi, characterized by, Includes a labeling container (1), an absorbent component (2), and a filter screen (3); The marking container (1) has several through holes (4) on its side wall; The absorbent component (2) is inserted into the marking container (1), and a gap is reserved between the absorbent component (2) and the inner wall of the marking container (1); The absorbent element (2) absorbs the solution containing dissolved isotope-labeled ions, which increases the volume of the absorbent element (2) so that the outer wall of the absorbent element (2) fits against the inner wall of the labeling container (1). The filter (3) covers the side wall of the marking container (1) and is used to allow mycorrhizal fungi to pass through while blocking plant roots and soil particles.

2. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the marking container (1) is polygonal or elliptical, and the cross-sectional shape of the water-absorbing component (2) matches the cross-section of the marking container (1).

3. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 2, characterized in that, The marking container (1) has a circular cross-section and an inner diameter of 10 mm to 15 mm.

4. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water-absorbing component (2) has a circular cross-section and a radius of 8mm to 13mm. The water-absorbing component (2) is made of sponge.

5. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the absorbent (2) is lower than the height of the inner cavity of the marking container (1).

6. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radius of each through hole (4) is 2mm to 3mm. Each through hole (4) is arranged longitudinally and laterally. The longitudinal spacing of each through hole (4) is 1.5mm to 2.5mm, and the lateral spacing of each through hole (4) is 4mm.

7. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sidewall thickness of the marking container (1) is 1 mm to 2 mm.

8. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 7, characterized in that, The height of the marking container (1) is 8cm to 12cm.

9. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter screen (3) is a nylon mesh with a pore size of 20μm to 45μm.

10. The device for determining the amount of nutrients absorbed by plants promoted by mycorrhizal fungi according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the marking container (1) is fitted with a lid (5).

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