Genetic variability for root morph-architecture traits and root growth dynamics as related to phosphorus efficiency in soybean

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2010 papers

Abstract

Root morphology and architecture are believed to be important for plant phosphorus (P) efficiency, but their genetic information is relatively scarce. In the present study, a field and a specially designed minirhizotron experiments were conducted using two soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) genotypes and their 88 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) to elucidate the genetic variability for root morph-architecture traits and root growth dynamics as related to P efficiency in soybean. The results indicated that the root morph-architecture traits were continually segregated in the RILs with a normal distribution, indicating which are possibly controlled by quantitative trait loci. Significantly positive correlations were found between root and P traits, suggesting feasibility of screening P efficient genotype through simple selection of root traits in field. Most root morph-architecture traits were closely correlated, showing a coordinating contribution to P efficiency. Furthermore, root morphological traits always had higher heritability than architecture traits, thus, could serve as more reliable index in field selection. The dynamic parameters of root growth from the minirhizotron experiment showed that the P efficient genotype established longer and larger root system with preferring distribution in surface layer and also kept more active roots, therefore, had a better growth performance in field, than the P-inefficient genotype. Taken together, this is the first report on in situ root growth dynamics and its relation to P efficiency using minirhizotron systems in crops. Our findings help to better understand the relationships between P efficiency and root traits and, thus, facilitate development of P efficient genotypes in crops.

Related Papers

• → Intrinsic and environmental response pathways that regulate root system architecture(2005)996 cited
• → Lateral root formation in pine seedlings(1994)23 cited
• The evolution of threshold traits: effects of selection on fecundity and correlated response in wing dimorphism in the sand cricket(1999)
• → Root System Characteristics of Papaya Plants Grown on a Slope(1996)2 cited
• → Shared heritability among psychiatric disorders and traits(2022)1 cited