Title: A temporal analysis and response to nitrate availability of 3D root system architecture in diverse pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) accessions

Abstract

Introduction Roots have a central role in plant resource capture and are the interface between the plant and the soil that affect multiple ecosystem processes. Field pennycress ( Thlaspi arvense L.) is a diploid annual cover crop species that has potential utility for reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses; and has rich seeds (30-35% oil) amenable to biofuel production and as a protein animal feed. The objective of this research was to (1) precisely characterize root system architecture and development, (2) understand plastic responses of pennycress roots to nitrate nutrition, (3) and determine genotypic variance available in root development and nitrate plasticity. Methods Using a root imaging and analysis pipeline, the 4D architecture of the pennycress root system was characterized under four nitrate regimes, ranging from zero to high nitrate concentrations. These measurements were taken at four time points (days 5, 9, 13, and 17 after sowing). Results Significant nitrate condition response and genotype interactions were identified for many root traits, with the greatest impact observed on lateral root traits. In trace nitrate conditions, a greater lateral root count, length, density, and a steeper lateral root angle was observed compared to high nitrate conditions. Additionally, genotype-by-nitrate condition interaction was observedmore » for root width, width:depth ratio, mean lateral root length, and lateral root density. Discussion These findings illustrate root trait variance among pennycress accessions. These traits could serve as targets for breeding programs aimed at developing improved cover crops that are responsive to nitrate, leading to enhanced productivity, resilience, and ecosystem service.« less

Authors:

Griffiths, Marcus; Liu, Alexander E.; Gunn, Shayla L.; Mutan, Nida M.; Morales, Elisa Y.; Topp, Christopher N.

Publication Date:

Thu Jun 22 00:00:00 EDT 2023

Research Org.:

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

OSTI Identifier:

1986394

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1992058

Grant/Contract Number:  

SC0021286

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Frontiers in Plant Science

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Frontiers in Plant Science Journal Volume: 14; Journal ID: ISSN 1664-462X

Publisher:

Frontiers Media SA

Country of Publication:

Switzerland

Language:

English

Subject:

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; root system architecture; nitrate; plasticity; abiotic stress; phenotyping; cover crop; field pennycress; ecosystem service