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A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
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The optimal lateral root branching density for maize depends on nitrogen and phosphorus availability
Johannes Auke Postma1, Annette Dathe2, Jonathan Paul Lynch1
1Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 (J.A.P., A.D., J.P.L.); andInstitut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften 2, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Juelich, 52445, Germany (J.A.P.) j.postma@fz-juelich.de jpl4@psu.edu.
Plant Physiology
|May 23, 2014
Summary
Optimal lateral root branching density (LRBD) in maize varies with nutrient availability. Long, sparse roots excel in nitrate uptake, while short, dense roots are better for phosphorus. LRBD is a key trait for breeding.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Phenotypic variation in maize lateral root branching density (LRBD) suggests context-dependent utility.
- Understanding LRBD's role in nutrient acquisition is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how varying LRBD affects nutrient uptake (nitrate and phosphorus) and carbon balance in maize.
- To determine the optimal LRBD for different soil nutrient availabilities using a plant model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the functional-structural plant model SimRoot to simulate maize root architecture.
- Quantified nitrate and phosphorus uptake, root competition, and whole-plant carbon balances under varied nutrient conditions.
Main Results:
- Sparsely branched laterals ( < 7 branches cm⁻¹) optimized nitrate uptake due to reduced competition.
- Densely branched laterals ( > 9 branches cm⁻¹) optimized phosphorus uptake, as competition and carbon limits were less impactful.
- Optimal LRBD is influenced by relative nitrate and phosphorus availability and carbon fixation rates.
Conclusions:
- The ideal LRBD for maize is a dynamic trait, contingent on environmental nutrient levels and carbon assimilation.
- Maize genotypes with median LRBD (6 branches cm⁻¹) likely balance acquisition of both mobile and immobile nutrients.
- LRBD presents a promising target for breeding strategies aimed at enhancing nutrient acquisition in crops.
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