Waterlogging-induced changes in root architecture of germplasm accessions of the tropical forage grass Brachiaria humidicola.

ABSTRACT: Waterlogging is one of the major factors limiting the productivity of pastures in the humid tropics. Brachiaria humidicola is a forage grass commonly used in zones prone to temporary waterlogging. Brachiaria humidicola accessions adapt to waterlogging by increasing aerenchyma in nodal roots above constitutive levels to improve oxygenation of root tissues. In some accessions, waterlogging reduces the number of lateral roots developed from main root axes. Waterlogging-induced reduction of lateral roots could be of adaptive value as lateral roots consume oxygen supplied from above ground via their parent root. However, a reduction in lateral root development could also be detrimental by decreasing the surface area for nutrient and water absorption. To examine the impact of waterlogging on lat

SUBMITTER: Cardoso JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4038435 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature