Root Functional Specialization in Dalbergia odorifera Reveals Localized Molecular Adaptations to Karst Rocky...

Dalbergia odorifera, a cornerstone tree species for ecological restoration in karst regions, exhibits remarkable adaptability to karst rocky desertification (KRD) environments characterized by high heterogeneity and nutrient poverty. Yet, the mechanisms underlying its root system's response to spatially variable KRD stress remain poorly elucidated. In this study, a split-root system was employed to simulate heterogeneous substrate conditions, including loam, uniform gravel (global stress), and partitioned loam/gravel (partial stress). We found that under partial stress, the root system underwent functional specialization, and roots in loam enhanced resource acquisition, whereas roots in gravel significantly elevated stress tolerance. This was supported by increased root:shoot ratio, improved nutrient conservation, and localized upregulation of key enzymes and metabolites. Multi-omics profiling further uncovered profound reprogramming of critical pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism, highlighting robust antioxidant defense and membrane stabilization mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that D. odorifera optimizes resource use in heterogeneous karst habitats through spatial division of labor at the root system level, orchestrated by integrated morphological, physiological, and molecular adaptations. This study provides a novel perspective on plant adaptation to environmental heterogeneity and offers practical insights for cultivating stress-resilient trees and restoring degraded karst ecosystems.