Comparative phenomics of root architecture and anatomy in Phaseolus species. Issue 6 (26th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Massas, Anica Sandra F.; Strock, Christopher F.; Schneider, Hannah M.; Debouck, Daniel G.; Brown, Kathleen M.; Lynch, Jonathan P.
• Is Part Of: Crop science. Volume 62:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 2347
• Page End: 2365
• Publication Date: 2022-10-26
• Subjects: Crop science -- Periodicals; Cultures -- Périodiques; Cultures de plein champ -- Périodiques; Crop science; Nutzpflanzen; Zeitschrift; Pflanzenbau; Periodicals; 633
• DOI: 10.1002/csc2.20838
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-183X

Abstract

Abstract: Phaseolus species are globally important food security crops. Drought and low soil fertility are primary constraints to Phaseolus production in developing nations. Root phenes have important roles in soil resource capture and plant performance. We profiled root phenotypes in 30 wild and seven domesticated Phaseolus taxa in laboratory and greenhouse environments. Our results reveal that substantial variation for root phenotypes exists among and within Phaseolus taxa, notably for phenes such as basal root number, basal root whorl number, root hair length, root hair density, metaxylem vessel number, and total cross‐sectional area. Wild taxa display greater genetic variation for root architecture and anatomy and possess desirable phenotypes that are either not found or are not sufficiently expressed in domesticated accessions. Consequently, wild taxa represent an important resource for breeding programs to improve abiotic stress tolerance. Root phenotypes were also associated with the environment in the region of origin, suggesting that they have adaptive value. We speculate that significant variation in root phenotypes across different Phaseolus species is related to their abiotic stress tolerance and are valuable for breeding programs focused on improving edaphic stress tolerance. Core Ideas: Significant variation in root architecture and anatomy exists among wild and domesticated bean taxa. Taxa from different geographic origins have distinct root phenotypes. Wild taxa express novel diversity for root phenotypes and may serve as genetic resources for breeding programs.