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Establishment method affects rice root plasticity in response to drought and its relationship with grain yield
Xiaobing Xie1,2, Marinell R Quintana1, Nitika Sandhu1
1International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|May 14, 2021
Summary
Rice root plasticity enhances grain yield stability across diverse soil conditions. However, its expression varies with establishment methods, suggesting targeted breeding for specific environments is key.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rice root plasticity is crucial for stable yields in variable soil environments.
- Understanding root plasticity's link to yield stability is vital for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore methods for quantifying rice root plasticity.
- To characterize the relationship between root plasticity and yield stability in rice genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized four statistical approaches (plasticity index, slope, AMMI, factor analytic) on 17 rice genotypes.
- Evaluated root plasticity and yield stability under different soil moistures, nutrient levels, and establishment methods.
Main Results:
- Few direct relationships were found between root plasticity and yield stability.
- Genotypes with both high root plasticity and yield stability demonstrated superior grain yields.
- Root plasticity was more pronounced in puddled transplanted conditions than dry direct-seeding.
Conclusions:
- Rice root plasticity contributes to stable yields but its benefit is environment-dependent.
- Complex interactions between nitrogen, water, and establishment methods influence root growth and biomass stability.
- Tailoring breeding strategies for specific environments may maximize the benefits of root plasticity in rice.
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