Different root morphological responses to P suplies in grafted pepper

Abstract

Grafting technique is increasing thanks to its potential to produce plants more efficient and tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Likewise, there is a growing interest in reducing inputs of fertilizers. The development of rootstocks suitable for low input agriculture is conditioned to the understanding of the changes on the root when facing such stresses. Our aim was to evaluate the morphological root response to Phosphorus (P) starvation of a rootstock selected for its good performance under low P conditions. Adige was grafted onto the selected rootstock and grown hydroponically in two different P concentrations, the selft-graft was done as control. Plants were then collected and analysed. Results showed that despite the differences in terms of P concentration among treatment the stress was not enough to cause a great biomass loss. However, there is evidence that individuals showed different root adaptations, modifiying root length, mass and volume, etc, under stress conditions, having the selected rootstock higher root length and volume under low P nutrient solution