Fig 3. Modification of the expression levels of ZmPP2AA1 in maize plants changes the root system architecture.

(A) Photographs are of representative WT, ZmPP2AA1 overexpressing and RNAi suppression transgenic seedlings grown in sufficient Pi (1,000 μM KH₂PO₄) nutrient solution for 2, 5 and 9 d after germination (DAG). (B) Root phenotype of the WT and ZmPP2AA1 transgenic seedlings at 6 DAG under normal conditions. (C, D, and E) The PR length, LR density (LR number/cm PR) and average LR length of 15 DAG WT, ZmPP2AA1 overexpressing plants and ZmPP2AA1 RNAi plants. Values are the means ± SD of each genotype. Different letters on the bars indicate significant differences between the means (P< 0.05).