Novel methods for observing and quantifying root growth of horticultural crops.

摘要

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to design and test (i) a small scale version of a Horhizotron (a non-destructive technique for measuring horizontal root growth) suitable for small plant material and (2) the Rhizometer, an in situ technique for determining the influence of plant roots on the physical root environment. Both the mini Horhizotron and Rhizometer (using Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor' and Tagetes erecta 'Inca Orange', respectively, as plant materials) offer potential as techniques to study undisturbed root systems which most importantly includes fine root mass (root hairs) which is often lost during traditional root washing methodology.