Superior Root Hair Formation Confers Root Efficiency in Some, But Not All, Rice Genotypes Upon Phosphorus Deficiency

The study examined the effects of phosphorus (P) deficiency on root hair formation and root efficiency (RE) in various rice genotypes. It found that P deficiency generally increased root hair length by 52% and density by 10%, but responses varied among genotypes and conditions. The traditional variety DJ123 showed high RE, absorbing 2.5 times more P per cm² of root surface area than the modern variety IR64, indicating that genotypic differences in root hair formation could enhance RE. DJ123 also exhibited significant gene expression changes related to root hair traits under low P conditions. The study suggested that traditional varieties like DJ123 could improve P uptake efficiency in P-deficient soils, potentially boosting crop yields without heavy fertilizer use.