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Macadamia nuts, scientifically designated as Macadamia integrifolia, are a highly valuable crop that originated in Australia. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the symbiotic relationships between various macadamia root systems and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The four principal macadamia- producing regions in Yunnan Province were selected for investigation on the basis of meticulous criteria. To determine the AMF infection rate, the roots were stained. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing was employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the fungal diversity in the rhizosphere soil. The findings were definitive, indicating that both normal and cluster roots are capable of establishing a symbiotic relationship with AMF. Secondary forests exhibited significantly elevated fungal diversity relative to normal roots, while cluster roots demonstrated the lowest diversity and notable regional variation, indicating that the environment exerts a considerable influence on inter-root fungi and AMF. The analysis of the fungal community composition revealed that the predominant groups were Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. The FUNGuild function prediction clearly indicated distinct differences in the fungal functions of secondary forests, cluster roots, and normal roots. This study provides a scientific foundation for the sustainable development of macadamia nuts and significantly contributes to a deeper comprehension of the intricate interactions between macadamia and AMF, thereby fostering the long-term stable and healthy growth of the macadamia nut industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is critical for plant growth but often becomes less accessible due to its precipitation with cations in soil. Fabaceae, a diverse plant family, exhibits robust adaptability and includes species like Lupinus albus, known for its efficient phosphorus utilization via cluster roots. Here, we systematically identified phosphorus-utilization-efficiency (PUE) gene families across 35 Fabaceae species, highlighting significant gene amplification in PUE pathways in Fabaceae. Different PUE pathways exhibited variable amplification, evolution, and retention patterns among various Fabaceae crops. Additionally, the number of homologous genes of the root hair development gene RSL2 in L. albus was far more than that in other Fabaceae species. Multiple copies of the RSL2 gene were amplified and retained in L. albus after whole genome triplication. The gene structure and motifs specifically retained in L. albus were different from homologous genes in other plants. Combining transcriptome analysis under low-phosphorus treatment, it was found that most of the homologous genes of RSL2 in L. albus showed high expression in the cluster roots, suggesting that the RSL2 gene family plays an important role in the adaptation process of L. albus to low-phosphorus environments and the formation of cluster roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) plants are tolerant plants under phosphorus (P)deficiency. They form unique morphological roots, so-called cluster roots (CRs) under P deficiency. CRs contribute to P absorption by the expansion of the root surface area and P mobilization activities. Previous research has implied the involvement of several hormonal functions in CR formation. Ethylene is a key regulator responsible for the modification of root architecture and P acquisition in response to low P in plants. However, understanding the effect of ethylene on CR morphogenesis is not enough. Here, the focus was on the effects of ethylene on CR morphology and gene expression for P acquisition. First, a reanalysis of public RNA-Seq data indicated that the gene expression for ethylene synthesis was induced during CR maturation. In turn, the 10-days application of an ethylene synthesis inhibitor, CoCl2, and an ethylene precursor, ACC, to CR formed in hydroponic culture without P was performed. CR morphology, transcript levels of the genes related to P acquisition, and citrate concentration in roots were determined. The results indicated that the elongation of rootlets in CR was promoted in a Co2+ concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that ethylene is responsible for the arrest of rootlet elongation. mRNA accumulation for acid phosphatases, phosphate transporters, citrate synthases, and a putative citrate transporter increased in ACC-treated immature CR, suggesting that ethylene induces the transcription of genes for P acquisition. Additionally, the trend of citrate concentration in roots among treatments was similar to that in the expression of citrate synthases, supporting that ethylene accumulation promotes citrate synthesis. The roles of the arrest of rootlet elongation and regulation of gene expressions for P acquisition are considered independent functions of ethylene. It was concluded that ethylene works as a possible regulator for the rootlet elongation and transcription of genes for P acquisition in CRs, although further studies are required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the arrest of rootlet elongation and transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Initiation of cluster roots in white lupin (Lupinus albus) under phosphorus (P) deficiency requires auxin signalling, whereas flavonoids inhibit auxin transport. However, little information is available about the interactions between P deficiency and flavonoids in terms of cluster-root formation in white lupin. Methods Hydroponic and aeroponic systems were used to investigate the role of flavonoids in cluster-root formation, with or without 75 μ m P supply. Key Results Phosphorus-deficiency-induced flavonoid accumulation in cluster roots depended on developmental stage, based on in situ determination of fluorescence of flavonoids and flavonoid concentration. LaCHS8 , which codes for a chalcone synthase isoform, was highly expressed in cluster roots, and silencing LaCHS8 reduced flavonoid production and rootlet density. Exogenous flavonoids suppressed cluster-root formation. Tissue-specific distribution of flavonoids in roots was altered by P deficiency, suggesting that P deficiency induced flavonoid accumulation, thus fine-tuning the effect of flavonoids on cluster-root formation. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited expression of an auxin-responsive DR5:GUS marker, suggesting an interaction of flavonoids and auxin in regulating cluster-root formation. Conclusions Phosphorus deficiency triggered cluster-root formation through the regulation of flavonoid distribution, which fine-tuned an auxin response in the early stages of cluster-root development. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cluster-root formation under P deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]