Co-optimization of Root Architecture for Water and Phosphorus Acquisition

植物生产力受到世界各地自然和农业生态系统中可用水和磷的限制。根系构型在稀缺土壤资源的获取中起着重要的作用。以菜豆(Phaseolus Common garis L.)作为一个模型系统，我们已经确定了特定的根构型特征，这些特征受到遗传和环境因素的调节，特别是磷的有效性。我们还证明了这些根特征与植物对不同环境的适应有关。此外，我们还开发了针对这些性状进行分离的重组自交系，我们将在研究中使用这些品系。本提案中概述的实验旨在更好地了解根构型和资源获取之间的关系，特别是在多种土壤资源有限的情况下。我们的总体目标是研究浅根构型和深根构型在水分和磷获取方面的权衡，以及确定根构型可塑性的适应性重要性和对植物间竞争的潜在影响。这项工作的结果将具有重要的生态和农业意义，并有助于开发资源获取高效的作物。

Plant productivity is limited by water and phosphorus availability in natural and agricultural ecosystems throughout the world. Root system architecture plays an important role in the acquisition of scarce soil resources. Using common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a model system, we have identified specific root architectural traits that are regulated by genetic and environmental factors, particularly phosphorus availability. We have also demonstrated that these root traits are related to plant adaptation to different environments. In addition, we have developed Recombinant Inbred Lines of beans that segregate for these traits, which we will employ in our studies.Experiments outlined in this proposal aim to gain a better understanding of the relationship between root architecture and resource acquisition, particularly when multiple soil resources are limiting. Our overall objectives are to examine the tradeoffs of a shallow vs. deep root architecture for water and phosphorus acquisition, as well as to determine the adaptive importance of root architectural plasticity and the potential implications for interplant competition. The results from this work will have important ecological and agricultural significance, as well as aid in the development of resource acquisition efficient crops.