Root anatomy helps to reconcile observed root trait syndromes in tropical tree species

Valverde‐Barrantes, Oscar J.; Authier, Louise; Schimann, Heidy; Baraloto, Christopher

doi:10.1002/ajb2.1659

Title: Root anatomy helps to reconcile observed root trait syndromes in tropical tree species

Journal Article · 23 May 2021 · American Journal of Botany

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1659 · OSTI ID:1785391

^[1]; Authier, Louise ^[2]; Schimann, Heidy ^[2]; Baraloto, Christopher ^[3]

Institute of Environment International Center of Tropical Biodiversity Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami FL 33199 USA
INRAE ‐ UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (CNRS, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles) Kourou France
Institute of Environment International Center of Tropical Biodiversity Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami FL 33199 USA, INRAE ‐ UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (CNRS, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles) Kourou France

Premise Studying the organization of functional traits in plant leaves and stems has revealed notable patterns linking function and form; however, evidence of similarly robust organization in root tissues remains controversial. We posit that anatomical traits in roots can provide insight on the overall organization of the root system. We hypothesized that size variation in the tissue outside the stele is related in a nonlinear fashion with functional traits associated with direct resource uptake, including a negative relationship with root architectural traits, and that similar relationships detected in tropical areas also hold true in other biomes. Methods We addressed our hypotheses using empirical data from 24 tropical tree species in French Guiana, including anatomical measurements in first order roots and functional trait description for the entire fine root system. In addition, we compiled a global meta‐analysis of root traits for 500+ forest species across tropical, subtropical, and temperate forests. Results Our results supported the expected nonlinear relationships between cortical size and morphological traits and a negative linear trend with architectural traits. We confirmed a global negative relationship among specific root length (SRL), diameter, and tissue density, suggesting similar anatomical constraints in root systems across woody plants. However, the importance of factors varies across biomes, possibly related to the unequal phylogenetic representation across latitudes. Conclusions Our findings imply that the rhizocentric hypothesis can be a valuable approach to understand fine root trait syndromes and the evolution of absorptive roots in vascular plants.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0004335

OSTI ID:: 1785391

Journal Information:: American Journal of Botany, Journal Name: American Journal of Botany Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 108; ISSN 0002-9122

Publisher:: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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