scholarly journals Rated-M for mesocosm: allowing the multimodal analysis of mature root systems in 3D

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Dowd ◽  
Samuel McInturf ◽  
Mao Li ◽  
Christopher N. Topp
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Inexpensive Method ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Multimodal Analysis ◽  
Trade Offs

A plants’ water and nutrients are primarily absorbed through roots, which in a natural setting is highly dependent on the 3-dimensional configuration of the root system, collectively known as root system architecture (RSA). RSA is difficult to study due to a variety of factors, accordingly, an arsenal of methods have been developed to address the challenges of both growing root systems for imaging, and the imaging methods themselves, although there is no ‘best’ method as each has its own spectrum of trade-offs. Here, we describe several methods for plant growth or imaging. Then, we introduce the adaptation and integration of three complementary methods, root mesocosms, photogrammetry, and electrical resistance tomography (ERT). Mesocosms can allow for unconstrained root growth, excavation and preservation of 3-dimensional RSA, and modularity that facilitates the use of a variety of sensors. The recovered root system can be digitally reconstructed through photogrammetry, which is an inexpensive method requiring only an appropriate studio space and a digital camera. Lastly, we demonstrate how 3-dimensional water availability can be measured using ERT inside of root mesocosms.

scholarly journals Response of Mungbean Root System Architecture to Phosphorus Application Methods

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Vijaya Singh ◽  
Marisa Collins ◽  
Colin Andrew Douglas ◽  
Michael Bell
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Grain Legumes ◽  
Coarse Root ◽  
Root Parameters ◽  
P Application ◽  
Application Methods ◽  
Phosphorus Application

In recent years phosphorus application methods have become an important management strategy for optimising the uptake of the immobile nutrient phosphorus (P). Root system architecture (RSA) could play a particularly important role in the uptake of P by grain legumes, due to their relatively coarse root systems. The objective of this study was to understand the response of mungbean root systems to P application methods. Four mungbean varieties were grown in purpose-built soil filled root chambers that received five P application methods. Phosphorus treatments consisted of a control (no application of P) compared with 30 mg P/kg soil throughout the soil volume (high P treatment) or restricted to 10cm deep layers in the topsoil or in a layer from 20-30cm deep. A fifth treatment consisted of the same amount of P as applied in deeper dispersed layer applied in a concentrated band at 25cm depth. After 50 days of growth, plant were destructively harvested and shoot and root parameters were measured. Mungbean varieties responded differently to P application methods, with Jade and Berken varieties showing greater root proliferation at depth and greater shoot growth in response to banded and deeper dispersed P applications, relative to the late maturing variety Putland. Shallow dispersed P and the no-P control both resulted in poor root growth in all the genotypes except Celera II, which did not respond to P application from any placement strategy. Results suggest that P application strategies may need to vary with variety to maximize the uptake of P.

Novel 3D imaging of root systems grown in slab-shaped rhizotrons

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Bereswill ◽  
Nicole Rudolph-Mohr ◽  
Christian Tötzke ◽  
Nikolay Kardjilov ◽  
André Hilger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Root System ◽  
3D Imaging ◽  
Neutron Radiography ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Moisture Distribution ◽  
Ph Gradients ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Soil Moisture Distribution

<p>Complex plant-soil interactions can be visualized and quantified by combined application of different non-invasive imaging techniques. Oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH gradients in the rhizosphere can be observed with fluorescent planar optodes, while neutron radiography detects small-scale heterogeneities in soil moisture and its dynamics. Respiration and exudation rates can vary between roots of different types, such as primary and lateral roots, as well as along single roots among the same plant. The 3D root system architecture is therefore a key information when studying rhizosphere processes. It can be captured in detail with neutron tomography, but so far only for plants grown in small, cylindrical containers.</p><p>Combined non-invasive imaging of biogeochemical dynamics, soil moisture distribution and 3D root system architecture is a technical challenge. Thin, slab-shaped rhizotrons with relatively large vertical and lateral extension are well suited for optical fluorescence imaging, allowing for spatially extended observation of biogeochemical patterns. This rhizotron geometry is, however, unfavorable for standard 3D tomography due to reconstruction artefacts triggered by insufficient neutron transmission when the long side of the sample is aligned parallel to the beam direction.</p><p>We therefore applied neutron laminography, a method where the rotational axis is tilted, to measure the root systems of maize and lupine plants grown in slab-shaped glass rhizotrons (length = 150 mm, width = 150 mm, depth = 15 mm) in 3D. In parallel, we investigated rhizosphere oxygen dynamics and pH value via fluorescence imaging and assessed soil moisture distribution with neutron radiography.</p><p>Neutron laminography enabled the 3D reconstruction of the root systems with a nominal spatial resolution of 100 µm/pixel. Reconstruction quality strongly depended on root-soil contrast and hence soil moisture level. After reconstruction of the root system and co-registration with the fluorescence images, first results indicate that observed oxygen concentrations and pH gradients depend on root type and individual distance of the roots from the planar optode.</p><p>In conclusion, neutron laminography is a novel 3D imaging method for root-soil systems grown in slab-shaped rhizotrons. The method allows for determining the precise 3D position of individual roots within the rhizotron and can be combined with 2D imaging approaches. Following experiments will address X-ray laminography as a possible attractive further application.</p>

scholarly journals Controlling The Root System Architecture In Rice: Impact of Genes, Phytohormones And Root Microbiota

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj K Verma ◽  
Shikha Verma ◽  
Nalini Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
World Food Security ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Root Microbiota

Abstract BackgroundIn order to feed expanding population, new crop varieties were generated which significantly contribute to world food security. However, the growth of these improved plants varieties relied primarily on synthetic fertilizers, which negatively affect the environment as well as human health. Plants adapt to adverse environmental changes by adopting root systems through architectural changes at the root-type and tissue-specific changes and nutrient uptake efficiency. ScopePlants adapt and operate distinct pathways at various stages of development in order to optimally establish their root systems, such as change in the expression profile of genes, changes in phytohormone level and microbiome induced Root System Architecture (RSA) modification. Many scientific studies have been carried out to understand plant response to microbial colonization and how microbes involved in RSA improvement through phytohormone level and transcriptomic changes.ConclusionIn this review, we spotlight the impact of genes, phytohormones and root microbiota on RSA and provide specific, critical new insights that have been resulted from recent studies on rice root as a model. First, we discuss new insights into the genetic regulation of RSA. Next, hormonal regulation of root architecture and the impact of phytohormones in crown root and root branching is discussed. Finally, we discussed the impact of root microbiota in RSA modification and summarized the current knowledge about the biochemical and central molecular mechanisms involved.

scholarly journals 285 Some Polyethylene Mulches Increase Root Numbers in Peppers

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 440D-440
Author(s):  
R.E. Gough
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Adventitious Roots ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Root Numbers ◽  
Plant Stem ◽  
Pepper Plants

In 1999, `Sweet Banana' pepper plants were grown under clean cultivation or SMR—red, silver, or black polyethylene mulches. Plants in each of three replications per treatment were field-set on 15 June. On 22 Sept., plants were excavated, and their root systems were examined. The total number of roots per plant at 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-cm depths and 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, and 60-cm distances from plant stems were recorded. Distribution and architecture of the root systems also were examined. Plants grown under clean cultivation developed 50 to 60 adventitious roots each, while those grown under red mulch developed about 20, and those under black and silver mulch about nine adventitious roots each. In all treatments, the adventitious roots radiated from the stem at an oblique, downward 35° angle. No plants had vertical roots. Root system architecture was similar among treatments, with 40% of the roots in the upper 5 cm of soil and 70% in the upper 10 cm. Thirty percent of roots were within 10 cm of the plant stem, and 50% were within 20 cm. Nearly 100% of the roots were located within 40 cm of the plant stem. Root count decreased with increasing depth and distance from the plant stem. Plants grown beneath the silver mulch produced the greatest number of lateral roots, followed by plants grown in clean cultivation and under black mulch. Plants grown under red mulch produced the fewest roots. Differences among treatments were significant. Colored mulches influence the total number of adventitious and lateral roots but not the root system architecture of pepper plants.

Decision Making within Plant Root Systems

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoav Waisel ◽  
Bobbie McMichael ◽  
Amram Eshel
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Plant Root ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Root Types

Architecture of a root system is the expression of the potential of various root types to branch, to grow and to coordinate with other plant organs, under the specific limitations of the environmental conditions. The present investigation has proven the following points. 1) Genotypes with different types of root systems were identified. The growth patterns of their roots and the distribution of laterals along their main axes were recorded. 2) The patterns of development of the root systems of four cotton genotypes, throughout the entire life cycle of the plants, were described, even at such a late stage of development when the total length of the roots exceeded two kilometers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an analysis of this type is accomplished. 3) The development of root systems under restrictive soil conditions were compared with those that have developed under the non-restrictive conditions of aeroponics. Results indicate that in the absence of the mechanical impedance of the soil, cotton plants develop single roots that reach the length of 6 m, and have a total root length of 2000 m. Thus, root growth is strongly inhibited by the soil, with some root types being inhibited more than others. 4) One of the important decisions, in constructing an operational root system architecture of mature plants, is the shift of the balance between various root fractions in favor of the very fine roots. 5) Root system architecture is determined, in part, by the sites of initiation of the lateral roots. This is determined genetically by the number of xylem archs and by the totuosity of the stele. Selection for such traits should be sought.

Root system architecture – budget experimental system for monitoring and analyses

Biologia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita L. Himmelbauer ◽  
Peter Scholl ◽  
Gernot Bodner ◽  
Willibald Loiskandl
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Root System ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Bio Engineering

AbstractQuantifications of root system architecture and growth dynamics became essential in sustainable agriculture, bio-engineering and underground ecology in general. Assessing of root architectural parameters is still challenging also owing to different methodological challenges and high-cost facilities required. The objective of this study was to design and examine a performance of a simple experimgal set-up for monitoring and analyses of root system architecture. The proposed system was examined with two cover crops – white mustard and sweet clover – grown in sand filled pots under controlled climate conditions for several weeks. Root systems of each crop were harvested in regular intervals of 2 to 3 weeks in 3 to 4 replicates. After careful washing, the intact root systems were photo captured in water filled cylinder in their quasi-natural position over entire rotation and then scanned using a flatbed professional scanner. The gained images (photos and scans) were analysed with AutoCAD and WinRhizo software for measuring of diverse root architectural parameters for modelling. The results showed that the selected experimental and methodical approaches were appropriate for monitoring and delivering data of good quality. Both, digital camera and scanner were regarded as essential complementary imaging tools for correct assessment of the root system architecture. To maximise the accuracy of the measurements, recommendation for improving the system were provided. Extracted root data are intended for parametrisation of root architectural models, but they also support researcher and experts in their efforts to improve crop uptake efficiency in sustainable agriculture and for bio-engineering purposes.

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