Architecture of the skeletal root system of 40-year-old Picea abies on strongly acidified soils in the Harz Mountains (Germany)

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Drexhage ◽  
Franz Gruber
Keyword(s):  
Picea Abies ◽  
Root System ◽  
Forest Decline ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Functional Difference ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Woody Root

Altogether 15 root systems, five at each of three plots (north- and south-facing slopes and plateau), of 40-year-old Picea abies (L.) Karst. trees with different symptoms of forest decline were excavated down to a root diameter of 0.5 cm. The object was to investigate the variability of root morphology and to assess the influence of environmental variation on the architecture of the woody root system. For each tree, total height, diameter at breast height, and needle and twig biomasses were determined, and for each root system, biomass, growth, length, cross-sectional area, number and initial direction of branches, and branching forms were determined. The differences in many of the wood parameters within and between the plots were relatively few, so that forest decline symptoms determined at the crown could not be sufficiently related to the root system architecture. The results suggest a small influence of microsite conditions on the structural root systems, an influence of stand density on root distribution and soil exploitation, and a functional difference between horizontal and vertical roots that points out the importance of extensive long vertical roots, which insure a sufficient water and nutrient uptake.

Does the lack of root hairs alter root system architecture of Zea mays?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Schlüter ◽  
Eva Lippold ◽  
Maxime Phalempin ◽  
Doris Vetterlein
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Root System ◽  
Root Hair ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Root Hairs ◽  
Root System Architecture ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Defective Mutant

<p>Root hairs are one root trait among many which enables plants to adapt to environmental conditions. How different traits are coordinated and whether some are mutually exclusive is currently poorly understood. Comparing a root hair defective mutant with its corresponding wild-type we explored if and how the mutant exhibited root growth adaption strategies and as to how far this depended on the substrate.</p><p>Zea mays root hair defective mutant (rth3) and the corresponding wild-type siblings were grown on two substrates with contrasting texture and hence nutrient mobility. Root system architecture was investigated over time using repeated X-ray computed tomography.</p><p>There was no plastic adaption of root system architecture to the lack of root hairs, which resulted in lower uptake in particular in the substrate with low P mobility. The function of the root hairs for anchoring did not result in different depth profiles of the root length density between genotypes. Both maize genotypes showed a marked response to substrate. This was well reflected in the spatiotemporal development of rhizosphere volume fraction but especially in the strong response of root diameter to substrate, irrespective of genotype.</p><p>The most salient root plasticity trait was root diameter in response to substrate, whereas coping mechanisms for missing root hairs were less evident. Further experiments are required to elucidate whether observed differences can be explained by mechanical properties beyond mechanical impedance, root or microbiome ethylene production or differences in diffusion processes within the root or the rhizosphere.</p>

scholarly journals Comparison of Root System Morphology of Cucurbit Rootstocks for Use in Watermelon Grafting

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 629-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B. Bertucci ◽  
David H. Suchoff ◽  
Katherine M. Jennings ◽  
David W. Monks ◽  
Christopher C. Gunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Root Surface Area ◽  
Diameter Class ◽  
Main Effect

Grafting of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an established production practice that provides resistance to soilborne diseases or tolerance to abiotic stresses. Watermelon may be grafted on several cucurbit species (interspecific grafting); however, little research exists to describe root systems of these diverse rootstocks. A greenhouse study was conducted to compare root system morphology of nine commercially available cucurbit rootstocks, representing four species: pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), squash (Cucurbita pepo), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and an interspecific hybrid squash (C. maxima × C. moschata). Rootstocks were grafted with a triploid watermelon scion (‘Exclamation’), and root systems were compared with nongrafted (NG) and self-grafted (SG) ‘Exclamation’. Plants were harvested destructively at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after transplant (WAT), and data were collected on scion dry weight, total root length (TRL), average root diameter, root surface area, root:shoot dry-weight ratio, root diameter class proportions, and specific root length. For all response variables, the main effect of rootstock and rootstock species was significant (P < 0.05). The main effect of harvest was significant (P < 0.05) for all response variables, with the exception of TRL proportion in diameter class 2. ‘Ferro’ rootstock produced the largest TRL and root surface area, with observed values 122% and 120% greater than the smallest root system (‘Exclamation’ SG), respectively. Among rootstock species, pumpkin produced the largest TRL and root surface area, with observed values 100% and 82% greater than those of watermelon, respectively. These results demonstrate that substantial differences exist during the initial 3 WAT in root system morphology of rootstocks and rootstock species available for watermelon grafting and that morphologic differences of root systems can be characterized using image analysis.

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

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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&amp;#160;=&amp;#160;150&amp;#160;mm, width&amp;#160;=&amp;#160;150 mm, depth&amp;#160;=&amp;#160;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Neutron laminography enabled the 3D reconstruction of the root systems with a nominal spatial resolution of 100 &amp;#181;m/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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

Root system variability in common legumes in Central Europe

Biologia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Chmelíková ◽  
Michal Hejcman
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Life Forms ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Legume Species ◽  
Minimum Diameter ◽  
Lupinus Polyphyllus ◽  
Nodule Shape ◽  
System Variability ◽  
Trifolium Arvense

AbstractThe aim of this study was to provide an overview of field measured root systems of common legume species growing under different environmental conditions in the Czech Republic. The plants, 214 individuals of 21 selected legume species from the tribes Galegeae (Astragalus glycyphyllos, Lupinus polyphyllus), Genisteae (Cytisus scoparius, Genista tinctoria), Loteae (Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Securigera varia), Trifolieae (Trifolium arvense, T. campestre, T. medium, T. pratense, T. repens) and Vicieae (Lathyrus pratensis, L. sylvestris, Vicia angustifolia, V. cracca, V. hirsuta), were collected using the monolith method from 27 sites.A rhizome was present in seven species and the maximum branching order was three for 15 species and five for five species. Recovery buds were recorded on the root system of eight species and woodiness was recorded in 11 species. Root diameter ranged from 1 to 12 mm — the minimum diameter was recorded in annuals and the maximum in perennials. The colour of the root system ranged from light to dark. In six species, young roots were light and older roots were dark. Globose, cylindrical, branched, fan-like and ruff-like nodules were recorded. Only one type of nodule shape was recorded in 11 species, two in seven species and three or four in three species. Nodules measured up to 2 mm in nine species, from 2 to 4 mm in three species and more than 4 mm in nine species. Legume root systems are highly variable and the variability was due to Raunkier’s life forms rather than membership of a tribe.

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 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.

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