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Cope JE, Berckx F, Lundmark J, Henriksson T, Karlsson I, Weih M. Clear effects on root system architecture of winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) from cultivation environment and practices. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11099. [PMID: 38750060 PMCID: PMC11096180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Roots play a pivotal role in the adaption of a plant to its environment, with different root traits adapting the plant to different stresses. The environment affects the Root System Architecture (RSA), but the genetic factors determine to what extent, and whether stress brought about by extreme environmental conditions is detrimental to a specific crop. This study aimed to identify differences in winter wheat RSA caused by cultivation region and practice, in the form of preceding crop (precrop), and to identify if modern cultivars used in Sweden differ in their reaction to these environments. This was undertaken using high-throughput phenotyping to assess the RSA. Clear differences in the RSA were observed between the Swedish cultivation regions, precrop treatments, and interaction of these conditions with each other and the genetics. Julius showed a large difference between cultivars, with 9.3-17.1% fewer and 12-20% narrower seminal roots. Standardized yield decreased when grown after wheat, 23% less compared to oilseed rape (OSR), and when grown in the Southern region, 14% less than the Central region. Additionally, correlations were shown between the root number, angle, and grain yield, with different root types being correlated depending on the precrop. Cultivars on the Swedish market show differences that can be adapted to the region-precrop combinations. The differences in precrop effect on RSA between regions show global implications and a need for further assessment. Correlations between RSA and yield, based on root-type × precrop, indicate different needs of the RSA depending on the management practices and show the potential for improving crop yield through targeting genotypic and environmental conditions in a holistic manner. Understanding this RSA variance, and the mechanisms of conditional response, will allow targeted cultivar breeding for specific environments, increasing plant health and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Cope
- Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fede Berckx
- Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lundmark
- Lantmännen Lantbruk, Udda Lundkvists väg 11, S-26881, Svalöv, Sweden
| | - Tina Henriksson
- Lantmännen Lantbruk, Udda Lundkvists väg 11, S-26881, Svalöv, Sweden
| | - Ida Karlsson
- Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Clinical Genomics Uppsala, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Weih
- Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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2
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Li P, Zhang Z, Xiao G, Zhao Z, He K, Yang X, Pan Q, Mi G, Jia Z, Yan J, Chen F, Yuan L. Genomic basis determining root system architecture in maize. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2024; 137:102. [PMID: 38607439 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-024-04606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE A total of 389 and 344 QTLs were identified by GWAS and QTL mapping explaining accumulatively 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of phenotypic variation for 14 shoot-borne root traits using more than 1300 individuals across multiple field trails. Efficient nutrient and water acquisition from soils depends on the root system architecture (RSA). However, the genetic determinants underlying RSA in maize remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis for 14 shoot-borne root traits using 513 inbred lines and 800 individuals from four recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations at the mature stage across multiple field trails. Our analysis revealed substantial phenotypic variation for these 14 root traits, with a total of 389 and 344 QTLs identified through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and linkage analysis, respectively. These QTLs collectively explained 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of the trait variation within each population. Several a priori candidate genes involved in auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways, such as IAA26, ARF2, LBD37 and CKX3, were found to co-localize with these loci. In addition, a total of 69 transcription factors (TFs) from 27 TF families (MYB, NAC, bZIP, bHLH and WRKY) were found for shoot-borne root traits. A total of 19 genes including PIN3, LBD15, IAA32, IAA38 and ARR12 and 19 GWAS signals were overlapped with selective sweeps. Further, significant additive effects were found for root traits, and pyramiding the favorable alleles could enhance maize root development. These findings could contribute to understand the genetic basis of root development and evolution, and provided an important genetic resource for the genetic improvement of root traits in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zhihai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Gui Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kunhui He
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qingchun Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guohua Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhongtao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Fanjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Lixing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Key Lab of Plant-Soil Interaction, MOE, Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, College Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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3
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Liu L, Cui K, Qi X, Wu Y, Huang J, Peng S. Varietal responses of root characteristics to low nitrogen application explain the differing nitrogen uptake and grain yield in two rice varieties. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1244281. [PMID: 37600168 PMCID: PMC10435752 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1244281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Rice root characteristics are tightly associated with high-efficient nitrogen uptake. To understand the relationship of root plastic responses with nitrogen uptake when reducing nitrogen application for green rice production, a hydroponic experiment and a soil pot experiment were conducted under high (HN) and low (LN) nitrogen applications, using two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, NK57 and YD6, three nitrogen absorption traits (total nitrogen accumulation, net NH4 + influx on root surface, nitrogen uptake via apoplasmic pathway) and root characteristics were investigated. In comparison with HN, LN significantly reduced nitrogen absorption and grain yield in both varieties. Concomitantly, there was a decrease in total root length, root surface area, root number, root volume, and root cortical area under LN, while single root length, root aerenchyma area, and root lignin content increased. The expression of OsAMT1;1 and OsAMT1;2 down-regulated in both varieties. The findings revealed that YD6 had smaller reduction degree for the three nitrogen absorption traits and grain yield, accompanied by smaller reduction degree in total root length, root surface area, root cortical area, and expression of the two genes under LN. These root characteristics were significantly and positively correlated with the three nitrogen absorption traits and grain yield, especially under LN. These results indicate that a large root system, lower reduction degree in several root characters, and high expression of OsAMT genes in YD6 explains its high nitrogen accumulation and grain yield under reduced nitrogen application. The study may provide rationale for developing varieties with low nitrogen fertilizer requirements for enabling green rice production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kehui Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoli Qi
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianliang Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaobing Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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4
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Maize Breeding for Low Nitrogen Inputs in Agriculture: Mechanisms Underlying the Tolerance to the Abiotic Stress. STRESSES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/stresses3010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is essential for sustaining life on Earth and plays a vital role in plant growth and thus agricultural production. The excessive use of N fertilizers not only harms the economy, but also the environment. In the context of the environmental impacts caused by agriculture, global maize improvement programs aim to develop cultivars with high N-use efficiency (NUE) to reduce the use of N fertilizers. Since N is highly mobile in plants, NUE is related to numerous little-known morphophysiological and molecular mechanisms. In this review paper we present an overview of the morpho-physiological adaptations of shoot and root, molecular mechanisms involved in plant response to low nitrogen environment, and the genetic effects involved in the control of key traits for NUE. Some studies show that the efficiency of cultivars growing under low N is related to deep root architecture, more lateral roots (LR), and sparser branching of LR, resulting in lower metabolic costs. The NUE cultivars also exhibit more efficient photosynthesis, which affects plant growth under suboptimal nitrogen conditions. In this sense, obtaining superior genotypes for NUE can be achieved with the exploitation of heterosis, as non-additive effects are more important in the expression of traits associated with NUE.
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5
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Schneider HM. Functional implications of multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma for soil resource capture and crop improvement. AOB PLANTS 2022; 14:plac050. [PMID: 36545297 PMCID: PMC9762723 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Suboptimal nutrient and water availability are primary constraints to crop growth. Global agriculture requires crops with greater nutrient and water efficiency. Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma (MCS), a root anatomical trait characterized by small cells with thick cell walls encrusted with lignin in the outer cortex, has been shown to be an important trait for adaptation in maize and wheat in mechanically impeded soils. However, MCS has the potential to improve edaphic stress tolerance in a number of different crop taxa and in a number of different environments. This review explores the functional implications of MCS as an adaptive trait for water and nutrient acquisition and discusses future research perspectives on this trait for incorporation into crop breeding programs. For example, MCS may influence water and nutrient uptake, resistance to pests, symbiotic interactions, microbial interactions in the rhizosphere and soil carbon deposition. Root anatomical phenotypes are underutilized; however, important breeding targets for the development of efficient, productive and resilient crops urgently needed in global agriculture.
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6
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Wang H, Wu Y, An T, Chen Y. Lateral root elongation enhances nitrogen-use efficiency in maize genotypes at the seedling stage. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:5389-5398. [PMID: 35332536 PMCID: PMC9545651 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maize plants show great variation in root morphological response to nitrogen (N) deficit, and such alterations often determine N-use efficiency (NUE) plants. This study assessed genotypic variation in root morphology and NUE in selected 20 maize genotypes with contrasting root system size grown in a semi-hydroponic phenotyping system for 38 days under control (4 mmol L-1 NO3 - ) and low N (LN) (40 μmol L-1 ) for 38 days after transplanting. RESULTS Maize genotypes exhibited different responses to LN stress in each of the 28 measured shoot and root traits. The 20 genotypes were assigned into one of the three groups: N-efficient (eight genotypes), medium (four genotypes), and N-inefficient (eight genotypes), based on shoot dry weight ratio (the ratio of shoot dry weight at LN and control) ± one standard error. In response to LN stress, the N-inefficient genotypes had significant reduction in biomass production by ~58% in shoots and ~64% in roots, while the N-efficient genotypes maintained their biomass. Under LN supply N-efficient genotypes showed a plasticity response that would result in both sparse lateral branching and increased root elongation as a whole or at each growth strata, and N efficiency positively correlated with lateral or axial root elongation and root elongation at different depths. CONCLUTSION The total lateral root length was the main contributor to the improved N foraging and utilization in maize under LN conditions, followed by axial root length. Total lateral root length can be considered in breeding programs for producing maize cultivars with high NUE at the early seedling stage. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water ConservationNorthwest A&F University, and Chinese Academy of SciencesYangling, ShaanxiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yujie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water ConservationNorthwest A&F University, and Chinese Academy of SciencesYangling, ShaanxiChina
| | - Tingting An
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water ConservationNorthwest A&F University, and Chinese Academy of SciencesYangling, ShaanxiChina
| | - Yinglong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water ConservationNorthwest A&F University, and Chinese Academy of SciencesYangling, ShaanxiChina
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and EnvironmentThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
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7
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Kaziem AE, Yang L, Lin Y, Xu H, Zhang Z. β-Glucan-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Smart Control of Fungicide Release and Translocation in Plants. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:14807-14819. [PMID: 35557677 PMCID: PMC9088927 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In this work, an enzyme-responsive nanovehicle for improving captan (CAP) contact fungicide bioactivity and translocation in plant tissues was synthesized (CAP-MSNs-β-glucan) by attaching β-glucan to the outer surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles. CAP-MSNs-β-glucan properties were tested by FTIR, ζ-potential, DLS, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, and HR-TEM. Cargo protection ability of CAP-MSNs-β-glucan from photolysis and hydrolysis was examined in comparison to CAP commercial formulation (CAP-CF). CAP-MSNs-β-glucan distribution in plant tissues, bioactivity against Fusarium graminearum, and biotoxicity toward zebrafish (Danio rerio) were tested and compared with that of CAP-CF. CAP-MSNs-β-glucan results showed good loading efficacy reaching 18.39% and enzymatic-release dependency up to 83.8% of the total cargo after 20 days of β-glucan unsealing. CAP-MSNs-β-glucan showed significant release protection under pH changes. MSNs-β-glucan showed excellent CAP protection from UV. CAP-MSNs-β-glucan showed better distribution in corn tissues and 1.28 more inhibiting potency to Fusarium graminearum than CAP-CF. CAP-MSNs-β-glucan showed 1.88 times lower toxicity than CAP-CF to zebrafish after 96 h of treatment. We recommend using such formulations to overcome shortcomings of contact fungicides and achieve better and sustainable farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir E. Kaziem
- Key
Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry
of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Department
of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Environmental
Studies and Research, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Guangdong
Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Liupeng Yang
- Key
Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry
of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong
Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yigang Lin
- Key
Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry
of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong
Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hanhong Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry
of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong
Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry
of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong
Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- . Phone: +86 134 2202 5556
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8
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Vanhees DJ, Schneider HM, Sidhu JS, Loades KW, Bengough AG, Bennett MJ, Pandey BK, Brown KM, Mooney SJ, Lynch JP. Soil penetration by maize roots is negatively related to ethylene-induced thickening. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:789-804. [PMID: 34453329 PMCID: PMC9291135 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Radial expansion is a classic response of roots to a mechanical impedance that has generally been assumed to aid penetration. We analysed the response of maize nodal roots to impedance to test the hypothesis that radial expansion is not related to the ability of roots to cross a compacted soil layer. Genotypes varied in their ability to cross the compacted layer, and those with a steeper approach to the compacted layer or less radial expansion in the compacted layer were more likely to cross the layer and achieve greater depth. Root radial expansion was due to cortical cell size expansion, while cortical cell file number remained constant. Genotypes and nodal root classes that exhibited radial expansion in the compacted soil layer generally also thickened in response to exogenous ethylene in hydroponic culture, that is, radial expansion in response to ethylene was correlated with the thickening response to impedance in soil. We propose that ethylene insensitive roots, that is, those that do not thicken and can overcome impedance, have a competitive advantage under mechanically impeded conditions as they can maintain their elongation rates. We suggest that prolonged exposure to ethylene could function as a stop signal for axial root growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien J. Vanhees
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrieUK
| | - Hannah M. Schneider
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jagdeep Singh Sidhu
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - A. Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrieUK
- School of Science and EngineeringThe University of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Malcolm J. Bennett
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
| | - Bipin K. Pandey
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
| | - Kathleen M. Brown
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sacha J. Mooney
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
| | - Jonathan P. Lynch
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
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9
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Strock CF, Rangarajan H, Black CK, Schäfer ED, Lynch JP. Theoretical evidence that root penetration ability interacts with soil compaction regimes to affect nitrate capture. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:315-330. [PMID: 34850823 PMCID: PMC8835659 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although root penetration of strong soils has been intensively studied at the scale of individual root axes, interactions between soil physical properties and soil foraging by whole plants are less clear. Here we investigate how variation in the penetration ability of distinct root classes and bulk density profiles common to real-world soils interact to affect soil foraging strategies. METHODS We utilize the functional-structural plant model 'OpenSimRoot' to simulate the growth of maize (Zea mays) root systems with variable penetration ability of axial and lateral roots in soils with (1) uniform bulk density, (2) plow pans and (3) increasing bulk density with depth. We also modify the availability and leaching of nitrate to uncover reciprocal interactions between these factors and the capture of mobile resources. KEY RESULTS Soils with plow pans and bulk density gradients affected overall size, distribution and carbon costs of the root system. Soils with high bulk density at depth impeded rooting depth and reduced leaching of nitrate, thereby improving the coincidence of nitrogen and root length. While increasing penetration ability of either axial or lateral root classes produced root systems of comparable net length, improved penetration of axial roots increased allocation of root length in deeper soil, thereby amplifying N acquisition and shoot biomass. Although enhanced penetration ability of both root classes was associated with greater root system carbon costs, the benefit to plant fitness from improved soil exploration and resource capture offset these. CONCLUSIONS While lateral roots comprise the bulk of root length, axial roots function as a scaffold determining the distribution of these laterals. In soils with high soil strength and leaching, root systems with enhanced penetration ability of axial roots have greater distribution of root length at depth, thereby improving capture of mobile resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Strock
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Harini Rangarajan
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Christopher K Black
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ernst D Schäfer
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jonathan P Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
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10
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Lopez G, Ahmadi SH, Amelung W, Athmann M, Ewert F, Gaiser T, Gocke MI, Kautz T, Postma J, Rachmilevitch S, Schaaf G, Schnepf A, Stoschus A, Watt M, Yu P, Seidel SJ. Nutrient deficiency effects on root architecture and root-to-shoot ratio in arable crops. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1067498. [PMID: 36684760 PMCID: PMC9846339 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1067498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Plant root traits play a crucial role in resource acquisition and crop performance when soil nutrient availability is low. However, the respective trait responses are complex, particularly at the field scale, and poorly understood due to difficulties in root phenotyping monitoring, inaccurate sampling, and environmental conditions. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 50 field studies to identify the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), or potassium (K) deficiencies on the root systems of common crops. Root length and biomass were generally reduced, while root length per shoot biomass was enhanced under N and P deficiency. Root length decreased by 9% under N deficiency and by 14% under P deficiency, while root biomass was reduced by 7% in N-deficient and by 25% in P-deficient soils. Root length per shoot biomass increased by 33% in N deficient and 51% in P deficient soils. The root-to-shoot ratio was often enhanced (44%) under N-poor conditions, but no consistent response of the root-to-shoot ratio to P-deficiency was found. Only a few K-deficiency studies suited our approach and, in those cases, no differences in morphological traits were reported. We encountered the following drawbacks when performing this analysis: limited number of root traits investigated at field scale, differences in the timing and severity of nutrient deficiencies, missing data (e.g., soil nutrient status and time of stress), and the impact of other conditions in the field. Nevertheless, our analysis indicates that, in general, nutrient deficiencies increased the root-length-to-shoot-biomass ratios of crops, with impacts decreasing in the order deficient P > deficient N > deficient K. Our review resolved inconsistencies that were often found in the individual field experiments, and led to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying root plasticity in fields with low nutrient availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Lopez
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gina Lopez, ; Sabine Julia Seidel,
| | - Seyed Hamid Ahmadi
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Water Engineering Department, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Drought Research Center, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Wulf Amelung
- Soil Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Miriam Athmann
- Organic Farming and Cropping Systems, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - Frank Ewert
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Directorate, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gaiser
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martina I. Gocke
- Soil Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Kautz
- Crop Science, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Postma
- Institute of Bio-Geosciences (IBG-2, Plant Sciences), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Shimon Rachmilevitch
- Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Gabriel Schaaf
- Plant Nutrition Group, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Schnepf
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-3, Agrosphere), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Alixandrine Stoschus
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michelle Watt
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peng Yu
- Crop Functional Genomics, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Emmy Noether Group Root Functional Biology, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Julia Seidel
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gina Lopez, ; Sabine Julia Seidel,
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11
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Zhao Z, Zhang W, Liu Y, Li S, Yao W, Sun X, Li S, Ma L, Sun J, Yang Q, Li Y, Yang G, Wang ZY, Cong L. De novo hydroponics system efficiency for the cuttings of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 27:1413-1421. [PMID: 34220046 PMCID: PMC8212189 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-021-00995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The legume plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a widely cultivated perennial forage due to its high protein content, palatability, and strong adaptability to diverse agro-ecological zones. Alfalfa is a self-incompatible cross-pollinated autotetraploid species with tetrasomic inheritance. Therefore, maintaining excellent traits through seed reproduction is a prime challenge in alfalfa. However, the cutting propagation technology could enable consistent multiplication of quality plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. The current study aimed to develop a simple, cost-effective, reproducible, and efficient hydroponic cutting method to preserve alfalfa plants and for molecular research. In this study, alfalfa landrace 'Wudi' was grown in hydroponics for 30 days and used as source material for cuttings. The top, middle and bottom sections of its stem were used as cuttings. The rooting rate, root length, and stem height of the different stem sections were compared to determine the best segment for alfalfa propagation in four nutrient treatments (HM, HM + 1/500H, HM + 1/1000H and d HM + 1/2000H). After 21 days of culture, the rooting rates of all the three stem types under four cutting nutrient solutions were above 78%. The rooting rate of the middle and bottom parts in HM + 1/1000 H and HM + 1/2000 H nutrient solutions reached more than 93%, with a higher health survey score (> 4.70). In conclusion, this study developed a de novo cutting propagation method that can be used to conserve and propagate germplasm in breeding programs and research. This method is a new report on the cutting propagation of alfalfa by hydroponics, which could supplement the existing cutting propagation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Zhao
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128 China
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Wu Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Lichao Ma
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Juan Sun
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Qingchuan Yang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Qingdao Empyrean Intelligent Agriculture Group Co, Ltd, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Guofeng Yang
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Zeng-Yu Wang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128 China
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Lili Cong
- College of Grassland Science, Grassland Agri-Husbandry Research Center, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
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