How does root system growth and development respond to potassium deficiency?

Abstract

This bachelor thesis examines how potassium deficiency affects root system architecture. While physiological responses to potassium deficiency have been relatively well described, published studies on RSA report variable and sometimes contradictory results. To address this issue, the thesis compares 27 publications and evaluates whether potassium deficiency induces any repeating root architectural patterns across plant species and between susceptible and tolerant genotypes. The comparison shows that potassium deficiency does not produce a single identifiable RSA phenotype, but most commonly leads to a reduction in total root length, root area, root volume and lateral root development. Tolerant genotypes show a similar directional response, albeit with less pronounced effects. In addition to this comparative analysis, the thesis summarizes the main physiological and growth responses, compares RSA under different nutrient deficiencies and discusses signaling pathways that regulate root development under potassium deficiency.