Interactive effects of phosphorus deficiency and exogenous auxin on root morphological and physiological traits in white lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

Sci China Life Sci. 2013 Apr;56(4):313-23. doi: 10.1007/s11427-013-4461-9. Epub 2013 Mar 16.

Abstract

White lupin (Lupinus albus) exhibits strong root morphological and physiological responses to phosphorus (P) deficiency and auxin treatments, but the interactive effects of P and auxin in regulating root morphological and physiological traits are not fully understood. This study aimed to assess white lupin root traits as influenced by P (0 or 250 μmol L(-1)) and auxin (10(-8) mol L(-1) NAA) in nutrient solution. Both P deficiency and auxin treatments significantly altered root morphological traits, as evidenced by reduced taproot length, increased number and density of first-order lateral roots, and enhanced cluster-root formation. Changes in root physiological traits were also observed, i.e., increased proton, citrate, and acid phosphatase exudation. Exogenous auxin enhanced root responses and sensitivity to P deficiency. A significant interplay exists between P and auxin in the regulation of root morphological and physiological traits. Principal component analysis showed that P availability explained 64.8% and auxin addition 21.3% of the total variation in root trait parameters, indicating that P availability is much more important than auxin in modifying root responses of white lupin. This suggests that white lupin can coordinate root morphological and physiological responses to enhance acquisition of P resources, with an optimal trade-off between root morphological and physiological traits regulated by external stimuli such as P availability and auxin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acid Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Biomass
  • Citrates / metabolism
  • Drug Interactions
  • Indoleacetic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Lupinus / anatomy & histology
  • Lupinus / drug effects*
  • Lupinus / physiology
  • Phosphorus / metabolism
  • Phosphorus / pharmacology*
  • Plant Growth Regulators / pharmacology
  • Plant Roots / anatomy & histology
  • Plant Roots / drug effects*
  • Plant Roots / physiology
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Protons
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Citrates
  • Indoleacetic Acids
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Protons
  • Phosphorus
  • Acid Phosphatase