Root cortical senescence decreases root respiration, nutrient content and radial water and nutrient transport in barley

• DOI: 10.1111/pce.12933
• Publication Date: 2017-02-06T09:27:16Z
• Authors: Hannah M. Schneider; Tobias Wojciechowski; Johannes A. Postma; Kathleen M. Brown; Andreas Lücke; Viktoria Zeisler; Lukas Schreiber; Jonathan P. Lynch
• Keywords: Senescence; Root (linguistics)

The functional implications of root cortical senescence (RCS) are poorly understood. We tested the hypotheses that RCS in barley (1) reduces respiration and nutrient content tissue; (2) decreases radial water transport; (3) is accompanied by increased suberization to protect stele. Genetic variation for exists between modern germplasm landraces. Nitrogen phosphorus deficiency rate RCS. Maximal RCS, defined as disappearance entire cortex, reduced nitrogen 66%, 63% 87% compared with segments no Roots maximal had 90, 92 84% less water, nitrate transport, respectively, onset coincided 30% greater aliphatic suberin endodermis. These results support hypothesis carbon costs may therefore have adaptive significance soil resource acquisition. By reducing content, could permit growth, acquisition allocation other plant processes. merits investigation a trait improving performance barley, wheat, triticale rye under edaphic stress.