Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
microorganisms and plants get benefits, and nitrogen fixation and mycorhizae are good
examples of such relationships. The plant provides carbon materials to support the growth
of microorganisms, while the latter promote plant growth by enhancing minerals uptake e.g.
nitrogen and phosphorus (70). A mini review by [71], about the symbiosis relationship
between desert plants and Mycorrhizae, indicated that desert ecosystems were not different
from other ecosystems in the presence of mycorrhizae. These mycorrhizae might affect
nutrient acquisition such as P, N, Fe, Zn, K and others. They also increase plant adaptation
to abiotic stresses and some other stresses. Commensalism is another example that various
chemicals are secreted from various plant parts like roots and leaves to stimulate the growth
of microorganisms. Some other microorganisms can cause some diseases to plants, and this
happens when the natural defense systems of the plant are ineffective. In fact, plants may
limit microbial penetration by having a thick cell wall and other structural barriers like the
cuticle layer that restrict infection. Moreover, the defense system in the plant includes the
secretion of gums and some chemicals to limit the invasion of microorganisms [72]. The
following are some examples of microorganisms associated with various plants from the
Qatari environment and the perspectives of using these organisms to solve the outstanding
problems of health, economy and food security.
4.1. Mangrove
Qatar is home to
Avicennia marina
; it is known as the grey mangrove or white mangrove
trees, communities of which form several forests around Qatar shores. These mangrove
swamps are home to a wealth of life. The largest area of mangroves - and the oldest - can be
found around Al Thakhira and Al Khor. Other mangrove areas in Qatar originate from
fairly recent plantings by the government.
Decomposers play an important role in the cycling of material and the flow of energy
through an ecosystem. In the mangrove ecosystem, bacteria and fungi break down dead
organic matter, such as mangrove leaves. One teaspoon of mud from a mangrove forest is
estimated to contain 10 billion bacteria. These bacteria break down the leaf litter and provide
nutrients for the other organisms that live in the mangrove swamp [73, 74]. This forms the
basis of the food chain in the mangrove swamp. The nutritional value of the leaves is
increased by the work of decomposers. Mangrove ecosystems are an important natural
resource that should be protected. The detritus generated by the mangroves is the base of an
extensive food web that sustains numerous organisms of ecological and commercial
importance. Furthermore, mangrove ecosystems provide indispensable shelter and
nurturing sites for many marine organisms. The well-being of mangroves is dependent on
the diverse, and largely unexplored, microbial and faunal activities that transform and
recycle nutrients in the ecosystem. Conservation strategies for mangroves should consider
the ecosystem as a biological entity [75]. Despite numerous studies on the biogeography,
botany, zoology, ichthyology, environmental pollution, and economic impact of mangroves,
little is known about the activities of microbes in mangrove waters and sediments. An effort
must be made for further studies on microbial activities in mangrove ecosystems and their
impact on the productivity of the ecosystem.
