Unlocking dynamic root phenotypes for simultaneous enhancement of water and phosphorus uptake

Nasr Esfahani M, Sonnewald U (2024)


Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Book Volume: 207

Article Number: 108386

DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108386

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) and water are crucial for plant growth, but their availability is challenged by climate change, leading to reduced crop production and global food security. In many agricultural soils, crop productivity is confronted by both water and P limitations. The diminished soil moisture decreases available P due to reduced P diffusion, and inadequate P availability diminishes tissue water status through modifications in stomatal conductance and a decrease in root hydraulic conductance. P and water display contrasting distributions in the soil, with P being concentrated in the topsoil and water in the subsoil. Plants adapt to water- and P-limited environments by efficiently exploring localized resource hotspots of P and water through the adaptation of their root system. Thus, developing cultivars with improved root architecture is crucial for accessing and utilizing P and water from arid and P-deficient soils. To meet this goal, breeding towards multiple advantageous root traits can lead to better cultivars for water- and P-limited environments. This review discusses the interplay of P and water availability and highlights specific root traits that enhance the exploration and exploitation of optimal resource-rich soil strata while reducing metabolic costs. We propose root ideotype models, including ‘topsoil foraging’, ʻsubsoil foraging’, and ‘topsoil/subsoil foraging’ for maize (monocot) and common bean (dicot). These models integrate beneficial root traits and guide the development of water- and P-efficient cultivars for challenging environments.

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How to cite

APA:

Nasr Esfahani, M., & Sonnewald, U. (2024). Unlocking dynamic root phenotypes for simultaneous enhancement of water and phosphorus uptake. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108386

MLA:

Nasr Esfahani, Maryam, and Uwe Sonnewald. "Unlocking dynamic root phenotypes for simultaneous enhancement of water and phosphorus uptake." Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 207 (2024).

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