Morphological and Physiological Root Traits and Their Relationship with Nitrogen Uptake in Wheat Varieties Released from 1915 to 2013

Abstract

Identifying genotypes with a greater ability to absorb nitrogen (N) may be important to reducing N loss in the environment and improving the sustainability of agricultural systems. This study extends the knowledge of variability among wheat genotypes in terms of morphological or physiological root traits, N uptake under conditions of low soil N availability, and in the amount and rapidity of the use of N supplied with fertilizer. Nine genotypes of durum wheat were chosen for their different morpho-phenological characteristics and year of their release. The isotopic tracer 15N was used to measure the fertilizer N uptake efficiency. The results show that durum wheat breeding did not have univocal effects on the characteristics of the root system (weight, length, specific root length, etc.) or N uptake capacity. The differences in N uptake among the studied genotypes when grown in conditions of low N availability appear to be related more to differences in uptake efficiency per unit of weight and length of the root system than to differences in the morphological root traits. The differences among the genotypes in the speed and the ability to take advantage of the greater N availability, determined by N fertilization, appear to a certain extent to be related to the development of the root system and the photosynthesizing area. This study highlights some variability within the species in terms of the development, distribution, and efficiency of the root system, which suggests that there may be sufficient grounds for improving these traits with positive effects in terms of adaptability to difficult environments and resilience to climate change.

Enhancing wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region of China: Insights from root biomass and nitrogen application responses

“…Some studies believe wheat genetic development based on yield selection has decreased root biomass (Ma et al., 2008; Puccio et al., 2021). However, one study showed that wheat root biomass increased with year of release (Qin et al., 2019).…”

Enhancing Sorghum Yield Through Efficient Use of Nitrogen – Challenges and Opportunities

“…Roots architecture is crucial for uptake and supply N and other nutrients. Indeed, root traits such as root length, root tips, root average diameter, root weight, and specific root length were crucial determinants for NUE under low N conditions in wheat and spinach ( Awika et al, 2021 ; Puccio et al, 2021 ). However, information on different root trait combinations related to NUE in sorghum warrants further research.…”

Identification and validation of a locus for wheat maximum root length independent of parental reproductive environment

“…A deep RSA helps plants to resist drought stress by absorbing water and nutrients from deep soil layers ( Uga et al, 2011 ). The difference in nitrogen uptake capacity among various wheat genotypes was mainly caused by root length ( Puccio et al, 2021 ). Thus, an appropriate maximum root length (MRL) can improve RSA with a great potential for yield improvement in wheat breeding.…”