Root diameter decreases and rhizosheath carboxylates and acid phosphatases increase in chickpea during plant development

Abstract Background and aims This study investigated whether root traits at the seedling stage are maintained flowering in two chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) genotypes with contrasting morphology physiology; genotype greater rhizosheath carboxylates mobilises more poorly-available phosphorus (P) pools to increase shoot P flowering/podding seed yield maturity. Methods Two were grown a low soil or without addition (0 40 µg g −1 as KH 2 PO 4 under controlled glasshouse conditions harvested seedling, flowering/podding, physiological Results At stages, ICC2884 had thinner roots mass ratio, specific length per dry weight (DW) than ICC456. Both smaller diameter, higher acid phosphatase activity seedling. In of both genotypes, NaHCO 3 -Pi concentration was depleted P0 only; P40, -Po increased while NaOH-Pi NaOH-Po concentrations decreased but accumulated stage, relative bulk soil. did not mobilise poorly available acquire produce yields Conclusion ICC456 difference morphological characteristics from stage. The (root DW basis) less carboxylates.