Non-invasive Protocol for Kinematic Monitoring of Root Growth under Infrared Light

Quantitative dissection of variations in root growth rate: a matter of cell proliferation or of cell expansion?

“…The second experiment (Exp2) examined the response of the Flevo genotype to different treatments, and was carried out from February to June 2017, using a random design for replication per treatment ( n =3–12 roots). In Exp2, treatments were applied by adding chemicals to the nutrient solution without manipulation of the roots ( Royer et al , 2016 ; Bizet et al , 2017 ). Roots were subjected to either 70 mM NaCl or 160 g l −1 polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000, Merck Chemicals, Darmstadt, Germany), generating osmotic potentials of –0.30 MPa and –0.37 MPa, respectively (measured with a Wescor 5500; Logan, UT, USA).…”

“…In both experiments, root growth was monitored under infrared light as described previously ( Bizet et al , 2017 ). Infrared light does not stimulate photoreceptor systems, nor does it affect root growth or generate tropism ( Kiss et al , 2003 ; Wiese et al , 2007 ; Ivakov et al , 2017 ).…”