Exploring the importance of root architecture plasticity in plant adaptation to environmental constraints

Abstract

AbstractPlants, as immobile organisms, depend on their roots to access soil resources efficiently and cost‐effectively. To achieve this goal, maximize productivity, and adapt to variable challenging conditions, plants rely on root phenotypic plasticity. This includes changes in root morphology, growth angles, diameter, elongation, branching density, and turnover rate. In simple terms, a plant root system is a dynamic structure that can change its branching structure in response to changes in biotic and abiotic conditions such as water availability, soil mineral nutrient content, soil compaction, salinity, and the formation of symbiotic relationships with other organisms or anchored in the substrate. However, the complexity of these responses and their impact on plant fitness are not well understood. In this paper, we review different aspects of the morphological plasticity of the root system. The results show that root flexibility can greatly support plant adaptation and control the nature of plant–plant interactions within the population. Thus, gaining a comprehensive understanding of root plasticity can lead to improved and sustainable plant production. We discuss the morphological plasticity of plant root systems in response to various biotic and abiotic factors, such as water availability, soil nutrient content, compaction, salinity, plant–plant interactions, and interactions with soil microorganisms. The aspects examined include root morphology, growth angles, diameter, elongation, branching density, and turnover rate. These parameters are crucial in determining how plants adapt to changes in their environment and optimize their growth and productivity.