Signaling Pathways in Photomorphogenic Root Development
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Physiology and Metabolism".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 11
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Light is a key environmental signal that orchestrates the developmental transition of seedlings from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth. In recent past decades, extensive research has elucidated the complex signaling networks underlying the responses of shoots to light, including responses mediating shade avoidance, nutrient uptake, phototropism, microbiome interactions, and circadian rhythms. However, less attention has been given to how light perception in aerial tissues influences below-ground development and adaptation. Recent findings reveal that shoot illumination influences root growth through long-distance shoot-to-root signaling, involving intricate hormonal and metabolic coordination. The drastic effects of light on plant development have a direct effect on root physiology. Although roots are usually shielded from direct illumination, their growth and biochemical responses are highly responsive to systemic signals derived from photoreceptors. These signals affect a plant’s fitness and adaptation to many environmental stresses. This Special Issue will bring together new insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms that integrate light signaling with root development, highlighting the emerging concept of photomorphogenic communication between above- and below-ground organs.
Dr. Felipe S. Maraschin
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- photomorphogenesis
- photoreceptor
- shade
- root architecture
- plant nutrition
- rhizosphere
- microbiota
- root exudates
- etiolation
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