Root morphological adaptation and leaf lipid remobilization drive differences in phosphorus use efficiency in rapeseed seedlings

With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus (P) utilization efficiency (PUE), physiological and morphological traits, two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars were compared at the seedling stage. P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation, high P uptake activity, and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress. Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.