Part I: Root symbioses -- Chapter 1. Synthetic plasmids to challenge symbiotic nitrogen fixation between rhizobia and legumes -- Chapter 2. In vivo analysis of rhizosphere enzyme activities by the use of plastic syringes -- Chapter 3. Characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal communities in roots of vineyard plants -- Chapter 4. Molecular methods for research on actinorhiza -- Chapter 5. Molecular and functional characterization of beneficial bacteria associated with AMF spores -- Part II: Plant pathogens and microbial plant protection -- Chapter 6. Oomycete-root interactions -- Chapter 7. Exploitation of rhizosphere microbiome services -- Chapter 8. Methods for detecting biocontrol and plant growth-promoting traits in rhizobacteria -- Chapter 9. A split-root method to study systemic and heritable traits induced by Trichoderma in tomato plants -- Part III: Experimental approaches and analytical techniques in rhizosphere biology -- Chapter 10. Using a tri-isotope (13C, 15N, 33P) labelling method to quantify rhizodeposition -- Chapter 11. Microscopic techniques coupled to molecular and genetic approaches to highlight cell-type specific differences in mycorrhizal symbiosis -- Chapter 12. From imaging to functional traits in interactions between roots and microbes -- Chapter 13. Live imaging of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis -- Chapter 14. Microcosm approaches to investigate multitrophic interactions in microbial communities -- Chapter 15. Analysis of common mycorrhizal networks in microcosms.

This book compiles various methodologies used in understanding interactions within the rhizosphere. An in-depth understanding of the rhizosphere is essential to developing successful strategies for future sustainable agriculture. The book summarizes methods and techniques used to study the mechanisms involved in mutualistic symbioses and pathogenic interactions of plants with various microbial organisms including fungi, bacteria, and oomycetes. Each chapter discusses different methodologies used in rhizosphere biology, while also providing real-world experimental data and trouble-shooting tips. Interested researchers will also find a wealth of literature references for further research. As the first comprehensive manual and compilation of methods and techniques used in rhizosphere biology, the book represents an essential resource for all researchers who are newcomers to soil microbiology experimentation.