Advancements in Root Growth Measurement Technologies and Observation Capabilities for Container-Grown Plants

Abstract

The study, characterization, observation, and quantification of plant root growth and root systems (Rhizometrics) has been and remains an important area of research in all disciplines of plant science. In the horticultural industry, a large portion of the crops grown annually are grown in pot culture. Root growth is a critical component in overall plant performance during production in containers, and therefore it is important to understand the factors that influence and/or possible enhance it. Quantifying root growth has varied over the last several decades with each method of quantification changing in its reliability of measurement and variation among the results. Methods such as root drawings, pin boards, rhizotrons, and minirhizotrons initiated the aptitude to measure roots with field crops, and have been expanded to container-grown plants. However, many of the published research methods are monotonous and time-consuming. More recently, computer programs have increased in use as technology advances and measuring characteristics of root growth becomes easier. These programs are instrumental in analyzing various root growth characteristics, from root diameter and length of individual roots to branching angle and topological depth of the root architecture. This review delves into the expanding technologies involved with expertly measuring root growth of plants in containers, and the advantages and disadvantages that remain.

The physiological responses of cacao to the environment and the implications for climate change resilience. A review

“…Belowground processes in cacao are an almost untouched area of research, understandable given the difficulty with measuring this in a tree crop. However, advances in imaging technology may help to progress this in the future (Judd et al 2015 and references within). Research into cacao root systems will be integral in the development of water-deficit resilient germplasm, as improvements in soil water accessibility are an important strategy in this area.…”

Controlled-Release Fertilizers as a Means to Reduce Nitrogen Leaching and Runoff in Container-Grown Plant Production

“…This is because container plant production has several advantages over traditional field production: (1) container plants are grown in substrates, not in soil, their production does not rely on arable land; (2) container sizes, substrate types and pH, pest, disease, water and nutrient management are easier to control or modify in container plant production than field production [4]; (3) plants grown in containers have a greater fine root mass compared to field-grown plants [5,6]. Root surface area of holly plants (Ilex x attenuata Ashe 'East Palatka') grown in containers increased more than twofold than those grown in ground, and plant leaf dry weight and total top dry weight were 22.5 and 15% greater, respectively, when grown in containers [5]; (4) container plants are more convenient for moving and shipping, allowing more operational flexibility and improving shipping efficiency; (5) containerization allows growers to sell plants throughout the year regardless of soil conditions or plant growth stage, which increases productivity per unit area; (6) container-grown plants exhibit much less transplant shock and higher survival rates after transplanting compared to field-grown plants [7]; (7) plant spacing for containers ranges from 17,300 to 247,000 plants per hectare in nurseries and 99,000-865,000 plants per hectare in greenhouse production compared to 1480-12,360 plants per hectare in field production [2], thus, much more plants are produced per hectare by container production and more profit is made per unit area and (8) containergrown plants can be consolidated to provide space for growing additional plants after inventories are sold. However, such consolidation will not be possible for field-grown plants.…”

Improved levee resilience through soil application of a natural organic polymer; field study : Kaufman Levee No. 1

“…These values fell between the high and low biopolymer concentrations and were deleted from Table 3 to clarify differences from the control treatment. According to Judd et al (2015), it is the interrelationship of root measurement with root function that determines the importance of these root parameters. Image analysis, performed as it is with clean roots in water, often underestimates root length due to damage during cleaning and root overlap in the image area (Judd et al 2015).…”

“…According to Judd et al (2015), it is the interrelationship of root measurement with root function that determines the importance of these root parameters. Image analysis, performed as it is with clean roots in water, often underestimates root length due to damage during cleaning and root overlap in the image area (Judd et al 2015). However, the average total root length ( Figure 20) observed in plants grown in the field demonstration areas was greatest in soil amended with the highest concentration of biopolymer (South).…”

“…The root length from the Control area and the lowest biopolymer amendment (North) are statistically similar. Root diameter can be used to assess what the root and the plant experience in the surrounding environment (Judd et al 2015). Root diameter affects the length of the root that the plant can produce for resource input to the whole plant system (Fitter 1996).…”