A temporal atlas and response to nitrate availability of 3D root system architecture in diverse pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) accessions

Abstract

1Roots have a central role in plant resource capture and are the interface between the plant and the soil that affect multiple ecosystem processes. Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is a diploid annual cover crop species that has potential utility for reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses; and has rich seeds (30-35% oil) amenable to biofuel production and as a protein animal feed. The objective of this research was to (1) precisely characterize root system architecture and development, (2) understand adaptive responses of pennycress roots to nitrate nutrition, (3) and determine genotypic variance available in root development and nitrate plasticity. Using a root imaging and analysis pipeline, 4D pennycress root system architecture was characterized under four nitrate regimes (from zero to high nitrate concentration) across four time points (days 5, 9, 13, and 17 after sowing). Significant nitrate condition response and genotype interactions were identified for many root traits with greatest impact on lateral root traits. In trace nitrate conditions a greater lateral root count, length, interbranch density, and a steeper lateral root angle was observed compared to high nitrate conditions. Genotype-by-nitrate condition interaction was observed for root width, width:depth ratio, mean lateral root length, and lateral root density. These results illustrate root trait variance available in pennycress accessions that could be useful targets for breeding of improved nitrate responsive cover crops for greater productivity, resilience, and ecosystem service.

Plant phenotyping relevance

根系画像・解析パイプラインを用いた4D根系構造の取得と多数の根形質の抽出が研究の中心であり、植物フェノタイピング手法の実質的な応用に該当する。

Code and data availability

保存済みの本文根拠を更新済みルールで再検証し、公開資産1件を確認しました。