Image analysis is used in numerous studies of root system architecture (RSA). To date, fully automatic procedures have not been good enough to completely replace alternative manual methods. DART (Data Analysis of Root Tracings) is freeware based on human vision to identify roots, particularly across time-series. Each root is described by a series of ordered links encapsulating specific information and is connected to other roots. The population of links constitutes the RSA. DART creates a comprehensive dataset ready for individual or global analyses and this can display root growth sequences along time. We exemplify here individual tomato root growth response to shortfall in solar radiation and we analyse the global distribution of the inter-root branching distances. DART helps in studying RSA and in producing structured and flexible datasets of individual root growth parameters. It is written in JAVA and relies on manual procedures to minimize the risks of errors and biases in datasets.
This novel set-up allows us to measure and characterize the dynamics of plant nitrate nutrition at high temporal resolution (minutes to hours) over long-term experiments (up to 1 year). It is reliable and also offers a novel method to regulate up to seven N treatments by adjusting the daily uptake of test plants relative to controls, in variable environments such as open fields and glasshouses.
Reciprocal crosses were made between seven different hexaploid wheat getiotypes. Hybrid kernels atid their parents were used to determine the amount of polymeric glutenin fractions by size-exclusion highperformance liquid chromotography (SE-HPLC) analysis. Quantitative aspects of the genetic control for various glutenin fractions were investigated through diallel cross analysis. The association between the potential effect on hexaploid wheat quality of various allelic types and the quantitative expression of the polymeric glutenin fractions was confirmed. Significant average heterosis effects were demonstrated for insoluble glutenin (pFi), total soluble and insoluble glutenin (pFl + pF2 + pFi) and the ratio of soluble to insoluble glutenin, (pFl -h pF2)/pFi. Some genotypes showed significant positive or negative combining abilities and general reciprocal effects for the glutenin fractions studied. For gluten quality, 'Qualital' was the best combiner for determining an optimal glutenin composition (high values for pFi and pFl -f-pF2 4-pFi and low values for pFl/pF2 and (pFl + pF2)/pFi, respectively). These results should be of great interest in breeding programmes aimed at improving hexaploid wheat quality.
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