Molecular regulation and physiological response of phosphorus absorption and utilization in woody plants.

Woody plants exhibit complex morphological, physiological, and molecular adaptations to low-phosphorus stress, with current understanding of Pi uptake and translocation pathways.

• Why it matters: Understanding these mechanisms is vital because phosphorus availability limits woody plant growth and development, impacting forest health and productivity, especially given Pi's poor soil mobility and binding tendencies.
• What they did: The review synthesizes studies on woody plant responses to low-Pi stress, focusing on morphological changes, biochemical regulation, molecular control, and root-mycorrhizal symbiosis, highlighting key pathways and response patterns.
• The result: Clarifying these adaptation mechanisms enables future research to target Pi homeostasis regulation under multiple stresses, linking Pi signaling to woody plant physiology, metabolism, and ecological interactions.