Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Plant root growth and architectural modifications are well-documented responses to phosphorous (P) starvation. The spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in mediating root development under P deficiency, especially in cereal crops like wheat, remain insufficiently understood. A nutrient solution experiment was conducted to grow two varieties of wheat, including SM15 and HG35, with the treatments of 0.005 and 0.25 mmol/L P supply. Exogenous H2O2 and its scavenger ascorbic acid (AsA), and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI) were added. The distribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in roots were detected by chemical staining and fluorescent probe technology. Low P supply did not change the root dry weight and total root length, while it decreased the lateral root density. The increase in the primary root and lateral root growth in P-starved wheat coincided with more ROS in the cell wall of the elongation zone. ROS production and oxidative enzyme activity of P-starved roots increased significantly. Low H2O2 induced the formation of lateral roots and significantly increased lateral root density under low P conditions. High H2O2 significantly reduced lateral root density but stimulated the nodal root formation. Exogenous AsA or DPI addition reversed the promotion of root growth imposed under the low P treatment or H2O2 addition. Furthermore, exogenous H2O2 treatment reduced the inhibitory effect of the DPI treatment on nodal root formation. It is suggested that the involvement of ROS in the regulation of wheat root system architecture under low P supply.
Source: Plants
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Award: G7463174951
OpenAlex ID: W7123689592