Abstract
Root/shoot (R/S) ratio is an important index for assessing plant health, and has received increased attention in the last decades as a sensitive indicator of plant stress induced by chemical or physical agents. The R/S ratio has been discussed in the context of ecological theory and its potential importance in ecological succession, where species follow different strategies for above-ground growth for light or below-ground competition for water and nutrients. We present evidence showing the R/S ratio follows a biphasic dose–response relationship under stress, typical of hormesis. The R/S ratio in response to stress has been widely compared among species and ecological succession classes. It is constrained by a variety of factors such as ontogeny. Furthermore, the current literature lacks dose–response studies incorporating the full dose–response continuum, hence limiting scientific understanding and possible valuable application. The data presented provide an important perspective for new-generation studies that can advance current ecological understanding and improve carbon storage estimates by R/S ratio considerations. Hormetic response of the R/S ratio can have an important role in forestry for producing seedlings with desired characteristics to achieve maximum health/productivity and resilience under plantation conditions.
Highlights
Root/shoot (R/S) ratio is an important index for assessing plant health, and has received increased attention in the last decades as a sensitive indicator of plant stress induced by chemical or physical agents
We present evidence showing the R/S ratio follows a biphasic dose–response relationship under stress, typical of hormesis
Hormetic response of the R/S ratio can have an important role in forestry for producing seedlings with desired characteristics to achieve maximum health/productivity and resilience under plantation conditions
Summary
In a world of changing environments where plants are dealing with stress, dose–response studies serve as a tool for assessing and modelling plant stress at various levels. There can be two (or more) responses to stress with different directions, depending on the dose of the stress Based on these imbalances, it is suggested that the R/S ratio is changing in a dose-dependent manner, having potential to affect ecological risk assessment and carbon storage estimates (Durigan et al 2012; Luo et al 2013). It is suggested that the R/S ratio is changing in a dose-dependent manner, having potential to affect ecological risk assessment and carbon storage estimates (Durigan et al 2012; Luo et al 2013) This discussion raises the question of whether the R/S ratio (Rdw/Sdw or Rlength/Sheight) displays a hormetic response to stress, a matter of biological, ecological, and environmental significance. Does the root to shoot ratio show a hormetic response to stress? An ecological and
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