Abstract: A hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effect of low phosphorus (0.5 mg·L^-1) on root length, dry weight, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium uptake and root phosphorus uptake kinetic parameters of japonica rice varieties Zhejing 22, Zhejing 27, Xiushui 110, Xiushui 09, Xiushui 128, Xiushui 63, Jia 991 and Jiahua 1. The results showed that there were significant differences among varieties in root length, biomass, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake and root phosphorus uptake kinetic parameters (I_max, K_m and C_min). Zhejing 22, Zhejing 27, Xiushui 110, Xiushui 09 and Xiushui 63 showed lower K_m and C_min, but higher Imax values under phosphorus deficiency stress, and they also showed longer root length, higher dry seedling weight and phosphorus utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, Jiahua 1, Jia 991 and Xiushui 128 showed higher Km and C_min, but lower Imax values and lower biomass, phosphorus utilization efficiency under phosphorus deficiency stress.

Key words: rice, phosphorus deficiency stress, seedling characters, nutrient absorption