Gene expression of the Springtail, Folsomia candida exposed to excess phosphorous in different soils

Abstract

The gene expression measurements can be used as a biomarker for species functioning under stressed conditions in polluted soil. In this study, the response of genes to excessive phosphorous levels in the soil was assessed. The expression of Folsomia candida’s gene encoding the deduced MTC, Cyp6, and HSP70 was evaluated,using quantitative Rt-PCR. F. candida, was exposed to two different field soils at different distances from two fertilizer factories in Kafr El Zayat and Abou Zaabal in Egypt with different levels of phosphorous concentrations. In addition to exposure to phosphate-amended LUFA soil. Our results indicated that the expression of MTC was significantly decreased after exposure to phosphorus-rich field soils and phosphate-amended LUFA soil, Gene expression of Cyp6 was significantly increased in response to higher phosphorous concentrations in soil. The expression of HSP70 did not change in response to all treatments. Gene expression can be used as an early indicator of excess Phosphorous in soil, which effect on the bioavailability of other important nutrients to improve soil quality assessment.