In the present study, we constructed an "applied core collection" for phosphorus (P) efficiency of soybean germplasm using a GIS-assisted approach. Systematic characterization and comparative analysis of root architecture were conducted to evaluate the relationship between root architecture and P efficiency and its possible evolutionary pattern. Our results found that: i) root architecture was closely related to P efficiency in soybean. Shallow root architecture had better spatial configuration in the P-rich cultivated soil layer hence higher P efficiency and soybean yield; ii) there was a possible co-evolutionary pattern among shoot type, root architecture and P efficiency. The bush cultivated soybean had a shallow root architecture and high P efficiency, the climbing wild soybean had a deep root architecture and low P efficiency, while the root architecture and P efficiency of semi-wild soybean were intermediate between cultivated and wild soybean; iii) P availability regulated root architecture. Soybean roots became shallower with P addition to the topsoil, indicating that the co-evolutionary relationship between root architecture and P efficiency might be attributed to the long-term effects of topsoil fertilization. Our results could provide important theoretical basis for improving soybean root traits and P efficiency.

Root morphology and architecture are believed to be important for plant phosphorus (P) efficiency, but their genetic information is relatively scarce. In the present study, a field and a specially designed minirhizotron experiments were conducted using two soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) genotypes and their 88 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) to elucidate the genetic variability for root morph-architecture traits and root growth dynamics as related to P efficiency in soybean. The results indicated that the root morph-architecture traits were continually segregated in the RILs with a normal distribution, indicating which are possibly controlled by quantitative trait loci. Significantly positive correlations were found between root and P traits, suggesting feasibility of screening P efficient genotype through simple selection of root traits in field. Most root morph-architecture traits were closely correlated, showing a coordinating contribution to P efficiency. Furthermore, root morphological traits always had higher heritability than architecture traits, thus, could serve as more reliable index in field selection. The dynamic parameters of root growth from the minirhizotron experiment showed that the P efficient genotype established longer and larger root system with preferring distribution in surface layer and also kept more active roots, therefore, had a better growth performance in field, than the P-inefficient genotype. Taken together, this is the first report on in situ root growth dynamics and its relation to P efficiency using minirhizotron systems in crops. Our findings help to better understand the relationships between P efficiency and root traits and, thus, facilitate development of P efficient genotypes in crops.