Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025

A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
Published on: February 10, 2023
Comparative physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses reveal mechanisms of apple dwarfing rootstock
Bin Xie1, Yanhui Chen1, Yanzhen Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Mineral Nutrition and Efficient Fertilization for Deciduous Fruits, Liaoning Province/Key Laboratory of Fruit Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Research Institute of Pomology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xingcheng, Liaoning, China.
Abstract:
Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential phytomacronutrients, and deficiencies in these two elements limit growth and yield in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). The rootstock plays a key role in the nutrient uptake and environmental adaptation of apple. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of N and/or P deficiency on hydroponically-grown dwarfing rootstock 'M9-T337' seedlings, particularly the roots, by performing an integrated physiological, transcriptomics-, and metabolomics-based analyses. Compared to N and P sufficiency, N and/or P deficiency inhibited aboveground growth, increased the partitioning of total N and total P in roots, enhanced the total number of tips, length, volume, and surface area of roots, and improved the root-to-shoot ratio. P and/or N deficiency inhibited influx into roots, and H+ pumps played a important role in the response to P and/or N deficiency. Conjoint analysis of differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated metabolites in roots revealed that N and/or P deficiency altered the biosynthesis of cell wall components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. The expression of MdEXPA4 and MdEXLB1, two cell wall expansin genes, were shown to be induced by N and/or P deficiency. Overexpression of MdEXPA4 enhanced root development and improved tolerance to N and/or P deficiency in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In addition, overexpression of MdEXLB1 in transgenic Solanum lycopersicum seedlings increased the root surface area and promoted acquisition of N and P, thereby facilitating plant growth and adaptation to N and/or P deficiency. Collectively, these results provided a reference for improving root architecture in dwarfing rootstock and furthering our understanding of integration between N and P signaling pathways.
More Related Videos
08:07Poplar Adventitious Roots Induced by Stem Canker Pathogens: An Experimental System for Studying Roots Biology and Light Response-Related Processes
Published on: October 11, 2024
07:45An Optimized Rhizobox Protocol to Visualize Root Growth and Responsiveness to Localized Nutrients
Published on: October 22, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Morphogenesis
Responses to Drought and Flooding