Fitter, A, Williamson, L, Linkohr, B et al. (1 more author) (2002) Root system architecture determines fitness in an Arabidopsis mutant in competition for immobile phosphate ions but not for nitrate ions. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. pp. 2017-2022. ISSN 1471-2954
Abstract
Plant root systems often have complex branching patterns. Models indicate that a complex architecture is only required for the acquisition of immobile resources, such as phosphate; mobile ions, notably nitrate, can be effectively taken up by very restricted root systems. We have tested this prediction using the axr4 mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana, the principal phenotypic effect of which is to reduce the number of lateral roots. Arabidopsis thaliana is not a host for mycorrhizal fungi and so acquires all its nutrients through the root system. In both a pot experiment and a field experiment conducted under natural conditions for A. thaliana, we found that only phosphate, and not nitrate, affected the fitness of the mutant relative to the isogenic wild-type line, Columbia. These results confirm model predictions and have implications both for the evolution of complex root systems and for the design of efficient root systems for crops.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | Copyright © 2002 The Royal Society |
Keywords: | Arabidopsis thaliana,Columbia,axr4,phosphate,nitrate,root branching,PLANTS BOTHER,PROLIFERATION,AVAILABILITY,CAPTURE,SOIL,GENE |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Biology (York) |
Depositing User: | Repository Officer |
Date Deposited: | 15 Nov 2004 |
Last Modified: | 26 Nov 2024 00:22 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2002.2120 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1098/rspb.2002.2120 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:186 |