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Root architecture and morphological characteristics in species of eucalypts in response to phosphorus availability

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Author(s):
Samir Bichara
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Master's Dissertation
Press: Campinas, SP.
Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Sara Adrián López de Andrade; Luciano Pereira; Paulo Eduardo Ribeiro Marchiori
Advisor: Sara Adrián López de Andrade
Abstract

The term "eucalypts" designates the group of large trees of the genus Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora, Allosyncarpia, Stockwellia, Eucalyptopsis and Arillastrum, originated in regions of Australia and nearby islands. Their wide geographic distribution provided them, throughout evolution, adaptation strategies to the most diverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Eucalyptus is currently the most cultivated forest group in the world due to its good silvicultural characteristics. Eucalyptus plants demand a high amount of nutrients, mainly phosphorus (P), a nutrient that constitutes important biological molecules and which acts in several metabolic and physiological processes. However, in many soils, P is scarcely available and can limit the correct plant development. This dissertation aims to evaluate the changes in morphological root and root hair, the spatial distribution of roots and the taproot growth rate of young plants of five eucalyptus species in response to low P concentration in the soil, as well as the relationship between root phenotypic plasticity in response to P availability and biomass and P accumulation in eucalyptus. The results showed that the variation in P availability affected the architecture and root morphology of the eucalyptus species studied. The species exhibited varied responses to the reduction in available P concentration, among which the following stood out: the highest percentage of length and surface area of roots in the more superficial layers of the soil, a higher growth rate of the main root and the formation of longer root hairs or with higher density when compared to plants with sufficient concentration of available P. The studied species of the genus Eucalyptus and Corymbia showed great variation in the spatial distribution of the root system, however, root responses associated with characteristics that promote greater soil exploration were not always related to greater P absorption or biomass gain. Thus, it is concluded that despite the plasticity of the root system to P availability, there was no direct relationship between these morphological characteristics and root architecture and the capacity of P uptake and biomass production of plants (AU)

FAPESP's process: 19/03165-7 - Root architecture and phosphorus uptake in eucalyptus species with contrasting response to phosphorus availability in soil
Grantee:Samir Bichara
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master