biofilm
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GROWERS WHO suffer frequent reoccurring outbreaks of root rot disease often have biofilms harboring these pathogens somewhere in their system .”
proteins , DNA , lipids , minerals , and other components from the environment , all of which form complex and resistant layers . Because of this structure , biofilms that have formed on hydroponic system surfaces are protected from many of the low dose disinfection compounds that may be added to the nutrient solution to control root rot pathogens . Biofilms begin life as free-floating bacteria that are common in most water supplies . These bacteria attach to surfaces and are not particular about where they take up residence . In plant production systems , bacteria are often attracted to the organic material contained in root exudates that act as a food source , thus roots are often rapidly colonized . However , even the smooth interiors of irrigation pipes are easily colonized . After this initial phase , the microorganisms begin to secrete organic compounds that adhere them firmly to the surface . Water , oxygen , and nutrients are then absorbed from the nutrient solution and the process of colonization then attracts further microbes as the biofilm grows .
Biofilms exist in the rhizosphere and contain diverse populations of microbes .
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