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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Physiology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 17461

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Dr. Lorenzo Rossi

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Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC), Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
Interests: tree physiology; plant root biology; environmental stresses; root anatomy
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Dear Colleagues,

Healthy roots and soils provide the anchor needed to keep a plant in place. Additionally, roots secrete compounds that affect the microorganisms in the soil, helping protect the plant from disease and facilitating the uptake of nutrients from the soil. There is a whole world of activity underground, so how do we get a system of good, healthy roots? Given the complexity of underground dynamics, root physiology, structure and function are understudied components of plant science research. Microorganisms (i.e., mycorrhizae, bacteria, etc.) in the soil impact cycling of nutrients, root growth, soil health, and plant productivity. Different propagation systems impact root system architecture. Nutrient levels, presence of organic substance, and poor management practices are also adversely affecting root and soil health and plant productivity. This special issue of Plants aims to combine these topics together and proposes to highlight recent “Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction”.

Dr. Lorenzo Rossi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

rhizosphere
root biology
environmental stresses
plant ecophysiology

Published Papers (11 papers)

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13 pages, 1308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Effect of Cultivars, Crop Years and Rootstocks on the Biochemical Traits of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch Fruits

by Roberto Ciccoritti, Rossella Manganiello, Francesca Antonucci and Danilo Ceccarelli

Plants 2023, 12(12), 2325; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12122325 - 15 Jun 2023

Viewed by 695

Abstract

Peach fruit is one of the most economically widespread temperate fruits, whose productivity, and nutritional and sensory qualities are determined by interactions among several environmental and genetic factors, rootstocks, agronomic practices and pedo-climatic conditions. In recent years, climate change has prompted peach breeding programs to use specific rootstocks that are well adapted to unusual soil and climate characteristics, thus improving the plant’s adaptability and fruit quality. The aim of this work was to assess the biochemical and nutraceutical profile of two different peach cultivars, considering their growth on different rootstocks over three crop years. An analysis was carried out evaluating the interactive effect of all factors (i.e., cultivars, crop years and rootstocks) revealing the advantages or disadvantages on growth of the different rootstocks. Soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total polyphenols, total monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity in fruit skin and pulp were analyzed. An analysis of variance was performed to assess the differences between the two cultivars considering the effect of rootstock (one way) and crop years, rootstocks and their interaction (two ways). In addition, two principal component analyses were performed separately on the phytochemical traits of the two cultivars to visualize the distributions of the five peach rootstocks during the three crop years. The results showed that fruit quality parameters are strongly dependent on cultivars, rootstocks and climatic conditions. All these aspects could be useful for the choice of rootstock in relation to agronomic management, making this study a valuable tool for choosing the best rootstock, considering simultaneously more factors affecting peaches’ biochemical and nutraceutical profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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18 pages, 2376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Planting Density on Sweet Potato Storage Root Formation by Regulating Carbohydrate and Lignin Metabolism

by Qinggan Liang, Hongrong Chen, Hailong Chang, Yi Liu, Qinnan Wang, Jiantao Wu, Yonghua Liu, Sunjeet Kumar, Yue Chen, Yanli Chen and Guopeng Zhu

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102039 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1538

Abstract

An appropriate planting density could realize the maximum yield potential of crops, but the mechanism of sweet potato storage root formation in response to planting density is still rarely investigated. Four planting densities, namely D15, D20, D25, and D30, were set for 2-year and two-site field experiments to investigate the carbohydrate and lignin metabolism in potential storage roots and its relationship with the storage root number, yield, and commercial characteristics at the harvest period. The results showed that an appropriate planting density (D20 treatment) stimulated cambium cell differentiation, which increased carbohydrate accumulation and inhibited lignin biosynthesis in potential storage roots. At canopy closure, the D20 treatment produced more storage roots, particularly developing ones. It increased the yield by 10.18–19.73% compared with the control D25 treatment and improved the commercial features by decreasing the storage root length/diameter ratio and increasing the storage root weight uniformity. This study provides a theoretical basis for the high-value production of sweet potato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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13 pages, 1441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in the Root System Architecture of Peach × (Peach × Almond) Backcrosses

by Ricardo A. Lesmes-Vesga, Liliana M. Cano, Mark A. Ritenour, Ali Sarkhosh, Josè X. Chaparro and Lorenzo Rossi

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091874 - 3 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1684

Abstract

The spatial arrangement and growth pattern of root systems, defined by the root system architecture (RSA), influences plant productivity and adaptation to soil environments, playing an important role in sustainable horticulture. Florida’s peach production area covers contrasting soil types, making it necessary to identify rootstocks that exhibit soil-type-specific advantageous root traits. In this sense, the wide genetic diversity of the Prunus genus allows the breeding of rootstock genotypes with contrasting root traits. The evaluation of root traits expressed in young seedlings and plantlets facilitates the early selection of desirable phenotypes in rootstock breeding. Plantlets from three peach × (peach × almond) backcross populations were vegetatively propagated and grown in rhizoboxes. These backcross populations were identified as BC1251, BC1256, and BC1260 and studied in a completely randomized design. Scanned images of the entire root systems of the plantlets were analyzed for total root length distribution by diameter classes, root dry weight by depth horizons, root morphological components, structural root parameters, and root spreading angles. The BC1260 progeny presented a shallower root system and lower root growth. Backcross BC1251 progeny exhibited a more vigorous and deeper root system at narrower root angles, potentially allowing it to explore and exploit water and nutrients in deep sandy entisols from the Florida central ridge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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23 pages, 1746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Root–Soil Interactions for Pepper Accessions Grown under Organic and Conventional Farming

by Ivan I. Morales-Manzo, Ana M. Ribes-Moya, Claudia Pallotti, Ana Jimenez-Belenguer, Clara Pérez Moro, María Dolores Raigón, Adrián Rodríguez-Burruezo and Ana Fita

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091873 - 3 May 2023

Viewed by 1654

Abstract

Modern agriculture has boosted the production of food based on the use of pesticides and fertilizers and improved plant varieties. However, the impact of some such technologies is high and not sustainable in the long term. Although the importance of rhizospheres in final plant performance, nutrient cycling, and ecosystems is well recognized, there is still a lack of information on the interactions of their main players. In this paper, four accessions of pepper are studied at the rhizosphere and root level under two farming systems: organic and conventional. Variations in soil traits, such as induced respiration, enzymatic activities, microbial counts, and metabolism of nitrogen at the rhizosphere and bulk soil, as well as measures of root morphology and plant production, are presented. The results showed differences for the evaluated traits between organic and conventional management, both at the rhizosphere and bulk soil levels. Organic farming showed higher microbial counts, enzymatic activities, and nitrogen mobilization. Our results also showed how some genotypes, such as Serrano or Piquillo, modified the properties of the rhizospheres in a very genotype-dependent way. This specificity of the soil–plant interaction should be considered for future breeding programs for soil-tailored agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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24 pages, 5094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grapefruit Root and Rhizosphere Responses to Varying Planting Densities, Fertilizer Concentrations and Application Methods

by John M. Santiago, Davie M. Kadyampakeni, John-Paul Fox, Alan L. Wright, Sandra M. Guzmán, Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi and Lorenzo Rossi

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081659 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1517

Abstract

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease has caused a severe decline in citrus production globally over the past decade. There is a need for improved nutrient regimens to better manage the productivity of HLB-affected trees, as current guidelines are based on healthy trees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different fertilizer application methods and rates with different planting densities on HLB-affected citrus root and soil health. Plant material consisted of ‘Ray Ruby’ (Citrus × paradisi) grapefruit trees grafted on ‘Kuharske’ citrange (Citrus × sinensis × Citrus trifoliata). The study consisted of 4 foliar fertilizer treatments, which included 0×, 1.5×, 3× and 6× the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture (UF/IFAS) recommended guidelines for B, Mn and Zn. Additionally, 2 ground-applied fertilizer treatments were used, specifically controlled-release fertilizer (CRF1): 12−3−14 + B, Fe, Mn and Zn micronutrients at 1× UF/IFAS recommendation, and (CRF2): 12−3−14 + 2× Mg + 3× B, Fe, Mn and Zn micronutrients, with micronutrients applied as sulfur-coated products. The planting densities implemented were low (300 trees ha⁻¹), medium (440 trees ha⁻¹) and high (975 trees ha⁻¹). The CRF fertilizer resulted in greater soil nutrient concentrations through all of the time sampling points, with significant differences in soil Zn and Mn. Grapefruit treated with ground-applied CRF2 and 3× foliar fertilizers resulted in the greatest bacterial alpha and beta diversity in the rhizosphere. Significantly greater abundances of Rhizobiales and Vicinamibacterales were found in the grapefruit rhizosphere of trees treated with 0× UF/IFAS foliar fertilizer compared to higher doses of foliar fertilizers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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14 pages, 3784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Ultrastructural Responses to Excessive-Copper-Induced Toxicity in Two Differentially Copper Tolerant Citrus Species

by Xin-Yu Li, Mei-Lan Lin, Fei Lu, Xin Zhou, Xing Xiong, Li-Song Chen and Zeng-Rong Huang

Plants 2023, 12(2), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020351 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1321

Abstract

Over-applied copper (Cu)-based agrochemicals are toxic to citrus trees. However, less information is available discussing the ultrastructural alterations in Cu-stressed citrus species. In the present study, seedlings of Citrus sinensis and Citrus grandis that differed in Cu-tolerance were sandy-cultured with nutrient solution containing 0.5 µM Cu (as control) or 300 µM Cu (as Cu toxicity) for 18 weeks. At the end of the treatments, the physiological parameters and ultrastructural features of the citrus leaves and roots were analyzed. The results indicate that Cu toxicity significantly decreased the ratio of shoot biomass to dry weight, the Cu translocation factor and the total chlorophyll of two citrus species. The anatomical and ultrastructural alterations verified that excessive Cu resulted in starch granules accumulated in the leaves and roots of the two citrus species. Under Cu toxicity, increased root flocculent precipitate and thickened root cell wall might reduce the Cu translocation from citrus roots to the shoots. Compared with C. sinensis, C. grandis maintained a relatively integral root cellular structure under Cu toxicity, which provided a structural basis for a higher Cu tolerance than C. sinensis. The present results increase our understanding of the physiological and ultrastructural responses to Cu toxicity in citrus species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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17 pages, 3551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Variations of Leaf δ¹³C and Its Response to Environmental Changes of Arbuscular and Ectomycorrhizal Plants Depend on Life Forms

by Shan Zhang, Mingli Yuan, Zhaoyong Shi, Shuang Yang, Mengge Zhang, Lirong Sun, Jiakai Gao and Xugang Wang

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3236; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233236 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 914

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and ectomycorrhiza (ECM) are the two most common mycorrhizal types and are paid the most attention to, playing a vital common but differentiated function in terrestrial ecosystems. The leaf carbon isotope ratio (δ¹³C) is an important factor in understanding the relationship between plants and the environment. In this study, a new database was established on leaf δ¹³C between AM and ECM plants based on the published data set of leaf δ¹³C in China’s C₃ terrestrial plants, which involved 1163 observations. The results showed that the differences in leaf δ¹³C between AM and ECM plants related closely to life forms. Leaf δ¹³C of ECM plants was higher than that of AM plants in trees, which was mainly led by the group of evergreen trees. The responses of leaf δ¹³C to environmental changes were varied between AM and ECM plants. Among the four life forms, leaf δ¹³C of ECM plants decreased more rapidly than that of AM plants, with an increase of longitude, except for deciduous trees. In terms of the sensitivity of leaf δ¹³C to temperature changes, AM plants were higher than ECM plants in the other three life forms, although there was no significant difference in evergreen trees. For the response to water conditions, the leaf δ¹³C of ECM plants was more sensitive than that of AM plants in all life forms, except evergreen and deciduous trees. This study laid a foundation for further understanding the role of mycorrhiza in the relationship between plants and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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15 pages, 3121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Root-Shoot Nutrient Dynamics of Huanglongbing-Affected Grapefruit Trees

by Lukas M. Hallman, Davie M. Kadyampakeni, John-Paul Fox, Alan L. Wright and Lorenzo Rossi

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3226; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233226 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1514

Abstract

With huanglongbing (HLB) causing a reduction in fine root mass early in disease progression, HLB-affected trees have lower nutrient uptake capability. Questions regarding the uptake efficiency of certain fertilizer application methods have been raised. Therefore, the goals of this study are to determine if nutrient management methods impact nutrient translocation and identify where in the tree nutrients are translocated. Destructive nutrient and biomass analysis were conducted on field grown HLB-affected grapefruit trees (Citrus × paradisi) grafted on ‘sour orange’ (Citrus × aurantium) rootstock under different fertilizer application methods. Fertilizer was applied in the form of either 100% soluble granular fertilizer, controlled release fertilizer (CRF), or liquid fertilizer. After three years, the entire tree was removed from the grove, dissected into eight different components (feeder roots, lateral roots, structural roots, trunk, primary branches, secondary branches, twigs, and leaves), weighed, and then analyzed for nutrient contents. Overall, application methods showed differences in nutrient allocation in leaf, twig, and feeder root; however, no consistent pattern was observed. Additionally, leaf, twig, and feeder roots had higher amount of nutrients compared to the other tree components. This study showed that fertilization methods do impact nutrient contents in different components of HLB-affected trees. Further research should be conducted on the impact of different fertilizer application methods and rates on HLB-affected trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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23 pages, 5417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth Stimulators Improve Two Wheat Cultivars Salt-Tolerance: Insights into Their Physiological and Nutritional Responses

by Neveen B. Talaat and Alaa M. A. Hanafy

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3198; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233198 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1523

Abstract

Spermine (SPM) and salicylic acid (SA), plant growth stimulators, are involved in various biological processes and responses to environmental cues in plants. However, the function of their combined treatment on wheat salt tolerance is unclear. In this study, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Shandawel 1 and Sids 14) plants were grown under non-saline and saline (6.0 and 12.0 dS m^–1) conditions and were foliar sprayed with 100 mgL⁻¹ SA and/or 30 mgL⁻¹ SPM. Exogenously applied SA and/or SPM relieved the adverse effects caused by salt stress and significantly improved wheat growth and production by inducing higher photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids) content, nutrient (N, P, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe, Zn, Cu) acquisition, ionic (K⁺/Na⁺, Ca²⁺/Na⁺, Mg²⁺/Na⁺) homeostatics, osmolyte (soluble sugars, free amino acids, proline, glycinebetaine) accumulation, protein content, along with significantly lower Na⁺ accumulation and chlorophyll a/b ratio. The best response was registered with SA and SPM combined treatment, especially in Shandawel 1. This study highlighted the recovery impact of SA and SPM combined treatment on salinity-damaged wheat plants. The newly discovered data demonstrate that this treatment significantly improved the photosynthetic pigment content, mineral homeostasis, and osmoprotector solutes buildup in salinity-damaged wheat plants. Therefore, it can be a better strategy for ameliorating salt toxicity in sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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23 pages, 4434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Organic Acid Root Exudates of Malus hupehensis Rehd. Derived from Soil and Root Leaching Liquor from Orchards with Apple Replant Disease

by Nan Sun, Chen Yang, Xin Qin, Yangbo Liu, Mengyi Sui, Yawen Zhang, Xueli Cui, Yijun Yin, Rong Wang, Yanli Hu, Xuesen Chen, Zhiquan Mao, Yunfei Mao and Xiang Shen

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212968 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1562

Abstract

Organic acids secreted by plants, such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, and benzoic acid, can inhibit seed germination and root growth. The effects of root and soil leaching liquor from orchards on the growth of M. hupehensis Rehd. seedlings under sand culture are studied; the seedlings are sampled at 15, 30, 45, and 60 d. Changes in the amount of root exudates are determined using HPLC. Low concentrations of root leaching liquor (A1) and soil leaching liquor (B1) significantly promoted plant growth and chlorophyll synthesis; high concentrations of root leaching liquor (A6) and soil leaching liquor (B4–6) inhibited growth. Low concentrations of soil leaching liquor had no significant effect on the POD, SOD, and CAT activities. A5–6 and B5–6 significantly decreased Fv/Fm and qP values, respectively, and increased NPQ values. All root and soil leaching liquor treatments inhibited the secretion of gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, and phloridzin, and promoted the secretion of caffeic acid. The root leaching liquor treatments inhibited the secretion of catechin and promoted the secretion of phloretin. The soil leaching liquor treatments promoted the secretion of cinnamic acid. The secretion of other phenolic acids is likely associated with the different concentrations of leaching liquor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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13 pages, 2033 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Rhizoboxes as Rapid Tools for the Study of Root Systems of Prunus Seedlings

by Ricardo A. Lesmes-Vesga, Liliana M. Cano, Mark A. Ritenour, Ali Sarkhosh, José X. Chaparro and Lorenzo Rossi

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162081 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

Rootstocks are fundamental for peach production, and their architectural root traits determine their performance. Root-system architecture (RSA) analysis is one of the key factors involved in rootstock selection. However, there are few RSA studies on Prunus spp., mostly due to the tedious and time-consuming labor of measuring below-ground roots. A root-phenotyping experiment was developed to analyze the RSA of seedlings from ‘Okinawa’ and ‘Guardian’™ peach rootstocks. The seedlings were established in rhizoboxes and their root systems scanned and architecturally analyzed. The root-system depth:width ratio (D:W) throughout the experiment, as well as the root morphological parameters, the depth rooting parameters, and the root angular spread were estimated. The ‘Okinawa’ exhibited greater root morphological traits, as well as the other parameters, confirming the relevance of the spatial disposition and growth pattern of the root system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecophysiology of Root Systems-Environment Interaction)

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