I sonicated the root with potassium buffer for 15-30 minutes, and then diluted the solution to count the bacteria number. I wonder whether it is possible to show the data as c.f.u./mL, rather than c.f.u./cm, because the length of the root can not represent the area of the root surface.
I think this is illogical. why we use cfu/ml , we collect the soil sample then dilute it, so it is expressed in this way. for cfu/cm you have to consider root area, then miner sample. it will not be representative.
Thanks to your reply, but I'm not sure whether root length can represent the root area
You could quantify the rhizobacteria on root pieces with an almost cylindrical diameter. By assessing the diameter and length of the pieces you can calculate the surface. In that way you can calculate the mean number of bacteria per area unit. However, this can become quite laborious.
If available you can use image analysis systems to estimate the root surface. Check e. g. google scholar for that.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agricultural Science
- Agronomy