Journal Article

The rhizosheath – a potential trait for future agricultural sustainability occurs in orders throughout the angiosperms

George, Timothy S., White, Philip J., Brown, Lawrie K., Neugebauer, Konrad

2017

Overview

Aims The rhizosheath is defined as the weight of soil adhering strongly to roots on excavation, and current interest in this trait as a potential tolerance mechanism to abiotic stress has prompted us to explore the extent of its occurrence throughout the angiosperm phylogeny. Methods Here we describe a robust, novel method which was used to screen species for the presence/absence and strength of a rhizosheath. We correlate the latter with root hair length to provide insight into some of the factors affecting its formation. We go on to compare experimental data with previous observations in the literature. Results Results of a glasshouse screen demonstrate that rhizosheaths exist in species from many angiosperm orders, and the frequency of their occurrence and their strength and size are related. No correlation between root hair length and rhizosheath size was found, except when root hairs were extremely short, but the presence of root hairs was required for rhizosheath formation. Conclusions The rhizosheath is present in species from many angiosperm orders. Potential to enhance the trait is likely to exist in a range of crop species and could help contribute to future agricultural sustainability.

• Publisher: Springer Science + Business Media,Springer International Publishing,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: abiotic stress / Angiospermae / Angiosperms / Biomedical and Life Sciences / crops / Ecology / Environmental aspects / Excavation / greenhouses / Growth / Life Sciences / Management / methodology / Phylogeny / Plant Physiology / Plant Sciences / REGULAR ARTICLE / Rhizobium / Root hairs / soil / Soil Science & Conservation / Species / Sustainability / Sustainable agriculture