[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of superoxide radical on root system growth and auxin distribution in rice （Oryza sativa L. cv Zhonghua No.11）. [Method] With rice Zhonghua No.ll as the experimental material, the effects of DDC （SOD inhibitor） and Tiron （superoxide radical scavenger） on the root system growth, superoxide radical generation and root system auxin distribution in rice were analyzed. [Result] The growth and elongation of primary and adventitious roots were significantly promoted by DDC, while Tiron significantly inhibited the growth and elongation of shoots, primary roots and their lateral roots, and also suppressed the formation and growth of the adventitious roots as well as the elongation of their lateral roots. The superoxide radical was increased with the induction of DDC, while Tiron decreased the accumulation of superoxide radical. Increased accumulation of auxin in the vascular bundle and behind the elongation zone was observed in DDC- treated roots, while the treatment with Tiron resulted in a decrease of auxin in the same position. [Conclusion] This study indicated that the regulation of rice root sys- tem growth by superoxide radical was closely related with the accumulation and distribution of auxin.
