The Higher Water Absorption Capacity of Small Root System Improved the Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Maize.

ABSTRACT: The root system in plants absorbs water and minerals. However, the relationship among root size, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) is controversial. Two pot experiments were conducted to explore these relationships by using two maize varieties with contrasting root sizes and reducing the root-shoot ratio (R/S) through root pruning to eliminate genotypic effects. Maize plants were grown in an open rainout shelter under both water-sufficient and deficient conditions. Yield-related parameters, root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr), and WUE were determined. The results showed that the small root variety (XY) has a higher yield and WUE compared to large root variety (QL) under both soil moisture conditions, likely related to the higher Lpr of XY. XY also had a higher leaf water potential than Q

SUBMITTER: Yan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9460845 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature