Morphological plasticity and phosphorus uptake mechanisms of hybrid Eucalyptus roots under spatially heterogeneous phosphorus stress

Published Date
Original Paper

First Online: 

30 November 2016

DOI: 10.1007/s11676-016-0335-x

Cite this article as: 

Zhou, C., Jiang, W., Li, Y. et al. J. For. Res. (2016). doi:10.1007/s11676-016-0335-x

Author 

• Chuifan Zhou
• Wuya Jiang
• Ying Li
• Xiaolong Hou
• Aiqin Liu
• Liping CaiEmail author

Abstract 

In this study, we subjected the root systems of eight Eucalyptus hybrids currently cultivated in southern China to heterogeneous phosphorus stress to provide a scientific basis for the selection of a highly phosphorus-efficient Eucalyptus variety. When the ability of these hybrids to locate phosphorus under different experimental conditions (phosphorus supply in a homogeneous or heterogeneous manner vs. no phosphorus supply) was compared, the main growth characteristics of Eucalyptus, such as plant height, diameter, dry mass, and phosphorus content, significantly improved when the phosphorus supply was increased from no phosphorus or heterogeneous phosphorus (half of the phosphorus amount) to homogeneous phosphorus. Across these three conditions, the growth traits of different Eucalyptus hybrids differed significantly, indicating different adaptabilities of the hybrids to various phosphorus conditions. The growth traits of the aboveground tissues of Eucalyptusunder different phosphorus conditions were largely influenced by the morphology of the underground root system. In addition, the root morphology of Eucalyptus under heterogeneous phosphorus treatment suggested that there were two mechanisms for locating nutrients. Eucalyptus hybrids such as Urophylla 3229, Grandis 9, Guanglin 3, 201-2, and Dunn produced more roots proximal to the phosphorus supply; the other hybrids, Urophylla 3216, Grandis 5, and Guanglin 9, relied mainly on the growth of roots opposite the phosphorus supply to obtain adequate nutrients for growth. With these two strategies, a wide range of nutrients was obtained, root distribution was greater, more soil volume was covered, the contact area of the roots with soil phosphorus was increased, and the uptake of phosphorus by the root system was increased. These results demonstrate that Eucalyptusrelies on changes to morphological characteristics of the root system to increase accessibility to phosphorus resources.

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