Heterogeneous nutrient supply promotes maize growth and phosphorus acquisition: additive and compensatory effects of lateral roots and root hairs.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Root proliferation is a response to a heterogeneous nutrient distribution. However, the growth of root hairs in response to heterogeneous nutrients and the relationship between root hairs and lateral roots remain unclear. This study aims to understand the effects of heterogeneous nutrients on root hair growth and the trade-off between root hairs and lateral roots in phosphorus (P) acquisition.

Methods

Near-isogenic maize lines, the B73 wild type (WT) and the rth3 root hairless mutant, were grown in rhizoboxes with uniform or localized supply of 40 (low) or 140 (high) mg P kg-1 soil.

Results

Both WT and rth3 had nearly two-fold greater shoot biomass and P content under local than uniform treatment at low P. Significant root proliferation was observe

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8414595 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature