Distribution and Function of Proteoid Roots and other Root Clusters

Abstract

Proteoid roots are bottlebrush‐like clusters of rootlets which form along lateral roots. They are characteristic of most species of the Proteaceae, which are mainly distributed in Australia and South Africa. Homologous root clusters are present in species of the Casuarinaceae, Mimosaceae, Fabaceae, Myricaceae and Moraceae. Many similarities exist between these species in relation to morphology and function of root clusters. Many are non‐mycorrhizal and are highly efficient in phosphorus (P) acquisition. In these species, proteoid roots and proteoid‐like root clusters are abundant when grown on infertile soils. Their formation is predominantly affected by the P status of the plants, being induced at low P levels and repressed at high P levels. Proteoid roots and proteoid‐like root clusters play an important role in acquisition of P and other mineral nutrients. Although increase in root surface area may be a contributing factor, in many species these roots excrete large amounts of organic acids and phenolics. The excretion of these compounds in a small soil volume gives rise to extensive nutrient mobilization by acidification, reduction and chelation of sparingly soluble forms of P and micronutrients such as Fe and Mn.