Progressive drought alters architectural and anatomical traits of rice roots.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Root architectural and anatomical phenotypes are important for adaptation to drought. Many rice-growing regions face increasing water scarcity. This study describes drought responses of 11 Egyptian rice cultivars with emphasis on plastic root responses that may enhance drought adaptation.

Results

Eleven Egyptian rice cultivars were phenotyped for root architectural and anatomical traits after 6 weeks growth in soil mesocosms under well-watered conditions. Four of these cultivars were more intensively phenotyped under progressive drought stress in mesocosms, using a system where more moisture was available at depth than near the surface. In response to drought stress, all cultivars significantly reduced nodal root number while increasing large lateral root branchin

SUBMITTER: Hazman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6277260 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature