The efficiency of <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> (Brassicaceae) root hairs in phosphorus acquisition

The study investigated the efficiency of Arabidopsis thaliana root hairs in phosphorus acquisition under varying phosphorus conditions. It was found that under low-phosphorus availability, wild-type Arabidopsis plants, which have a root hair response, exhibited greater total root surface area, shoot biomass, phosphorus per root length, and specific phosphorus uptake compared to root hair mutants (rhd6 and rhd2). The cost-benefit analysis indicated that wild-type roots were more efficient in acquiring phosphorus for each unit of carbon respired or phosphorus invested than the mutants. The study concluded that the root hair response to low-phosphorus availability was an efficient strategy for phosphorus acquisition.