Spatiotemporal responses of rice root architecture and anatomy to drought

Abstract Aims Growth reductions and yield losses from drought could be mitigated by developing rice genotypes with more efficient root systems. We examined spatiotemporal responses to in order determine whether roots upper vs. deeper soil layers respond differently stress. Methods Root anatomical architectural phenotypes of two genotypes, Azucena (drought tolerant) IR64 susceptible), were measured weekly well-watered vegetative-stage stress treatments solid medium stratified moisture availability. Basal apical segments collected older, nodal younger, shallow for assessment anatomy lateral rooting phenotypes. The relationship between respiration rates was tested solution culture medium. Results Compared IR64, had systems larger diameter both but reduced its living tissue area response drought, while exhibited less plasticity diameter. positively correlated area, providing evidence that affects the metabolic cost tissues. In showed theoretical axial hydraulic conductance at base deep slightly greater tip roots, displayed low metaxylem Conclusion propose contributes tolerance reducing exploration improving efficiency water transport.