Contrasting development of lysigenous aerenchyma in two rice genotypes under phosphorus deficiency

OBJECTIVES: Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major limitation to plant growth. Under several abiotic stresses, including P deficiency, upland cereal crops, such as maize, are well known to develop lysigenous aerenchyma, a root tissue containing gas spaces. Contrary to upland species, rice develops aerenchyma constitutively. Nevertheless, aerenchyma in rice is also enhanced by several abiotic stresses, including P deficiency. However, studies are limited and genotypic differences are not clear. RESULTS: The formation of inducible aerenchyma in response to P deficiency was evaluated in two rice genotypes, DJ123 and Nerica4. Whole root porosity increased for both genotypes in low P conditions, but was more pronounced in DJ123. Direct aerenchyma measurements, at 20 and 30 mm from the seminal root tip, revealed that aerenchyma in low P conditions was only enhanced in DJ123. These results confirm that P deficiency in rice induces the formation of aerenchyma, and further show that genotypic differences exist. Interestingly, DJ123 is considered tolerant to P deficiency, whereas Nerica4 is sensitive, pointing towards a potential role of aerenchyma in tolerance to P deficiency. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3179-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.