Root architecture alteration of narrow-leafed lupin and wheat in response to soil compaction

Root growth, soil water variation, and grain yield response of winter wheat to supplemental irrigation

“…Irrigation regimes applied during the winter wheat growing season significantly affect the root density, depth, and activity (Chen et al, 2014;Kang et al, 2002;Li et al, 2010;Wang et al, 2014;Zhang et al, 2004). Wang et al (2014) reported that irrigation significantly increases the root weight density (RWD) in the 0-100 cm soil layers, particularly facilitating root growth in the deep soil layers.…”

Root Tip Shape Governs Root Elongation Rate under Increased Soil Strength

“…This adjustment of roots to increased soil strength reduces the risk of root buckling and decreases the mechanical stress acting on the root during penetration (Materechera et al, 1992;Kirby and Bengough, 2002;Chimungu et al, 2015). Root thickening in response to increased soil strength has been observed in a wide range of species under field and laboratory conditions and often coincides with increased cortical area (Atwell, 1990a;Materechera et al, 1992;Grzesiak et al, 2013;Siczek et al, 2013;Chen et al, 2014;Hernandez-Ramirez et al, 2014;Colombi and Walter, 2016). Since root thickening decreases penetration stress and stabilizes roots, thick roots are likely to be an advantage in soils with increased mechanical impedance (Materechera et al, 1992;Kirby and Bengough, 2002;Chimungu et al, 2015).…”

Phenotyping for Root Traits

“…(a) A rhizotron with the acrylic glass panel removed to expose root system for sampling root exudates around individual root tips using the anion exchange membrane (AEM) indicated by inserted pins and arrows. (b) Root image of the same plant is (a) acquired by a flatbed scanner via scanning the acrylic glass with traced root morphology at three consecutive times: 14 (black), 20 (purple) and 26 (green) days after sowing (Bar ¼ 10 cm) (Chen and Rengel 2014) A new algorithm for computational image analysis of deformable motion at high spatial and temporal resolution was applied to contrasting root growth in Arabidopsis, timothy (Phleum pratense), tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis) (van der Weele et al 2003) using the gel system. By incorporating image-analysing tools, e.g.…”