Investigating Whole Root Systems: Advances in Root Quantification Tools and Techniques

摘要

The efficient quantification of root traits remains a critical factor in exploiting many genetic resources during the study of root function and development. This is particularly true for the high throughput phenotyping of large populations for acid soil tolerance, including aluminum (Al) tolerance where root growth is quantified in the presence and absence of Al, and phosphorous efficiency, where root architecture differences are often examined. Our study presents some custom root imaging and quantification tools that are being developed in our laboratory. We have focused on designing flexible growth systems and software tools that enable a multitude of 2D and 3D root system characteristics to be investigated. Additionally, we highlight how recent applications of these tools are being used to investigate how Al toxicity affects growth at the whole root system level.