Improved methods of estimating root length using a photocopier, a light box and a bar code reader

Collins, P.; Gregory, P. J.; Rowse, H. R.; Morgan, Alexander P.; Lancashire, B.

doi:10.1007/bf02370401

Cited by 10 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Unwanted organic debris may constitute a problem in images with dark or stained roots on a white background (Ottman and Timm, 1984;Voorhees et al, 1980;Wilhelm et al, 1983). Measuring white roots on a black background (Collins et al, 1987) leads to underestimation of the length of relatively dark coloured root pieces.…”

Section: Root Imagementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, strict guidelines have to be followed to reduce inaccuracy, and to improve standardization (Tennant, 1975). In (semi-) automatic line-intersection methods (Collins et al, 1987;Richards et al, 1979;Rowse and Phillips, 1974;Wilhelm et al, 1983) spreading is also required, but the scanning of an image is usually much faster. Costigan et al (1982) described a method for measuring length and number of lateral and sublateral roots by tracing roots on a digitizing tablet.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A rapid quantitative measurement of root length and root branching by microcomputer image analysis

Zoon¹,

Tienderen²

1990

Plant Soil

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A computer program was made for fast and reliable measurement of root length and for estimating the number of root tips and branching points. Image-processing procedures available in a program package for image analysis by means of a personal computer were used. The method is described in this paper and some results of tests on variance and systematic errors (bias) are discussed.Time required for analysis of an evenly spread root (sub-)sample with a total length of max. 300 cm was reduced to less than 20 seconds. Random deviations from the real length, determined by measuring known lengths of wire, did not exceed 5%, after correction for length density dependent bias. Counts of root tips appeared to be unreliable, but branching ratios could be determined fairly accurately, after correction for the length density dependent number of pseudo-branches (e.g. crossings). Rhizotron root photographs were also analysed satisfactorily, after modification of a few steps in the program.

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Section: Root Imagementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A rapid quantitative measurement of root length and root branching by microcomputer image analysis

Zoon¹,

Tienderen²

1990

Plant Soil

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“…For example, the measurement of 3.43 m of roots took 24 min using the line intercept method, whereas 67 min were required with the manual method (Newman, 1966). Scanner‐based, computer‐assisted image analysis has made the measurement of root characteristics faster, more accurate, and less subjective than previous methods (Collins et al, 1987; Cunningham et al, 1989; Stutte et al, 1995; Box, 1996). Despite these technological advances in root study, root length measurement is still time consuming, mainly because of the potentially great length of a single root system.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Root Morphology of Contrasting Maize Genotypes

Costa¹,

Dwyer²,

Zhou³

et al. 2002

Agronomy Journal

110

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generally show greater differences (Box and Ramseur, 1993). Several methods have been used to estimate root Image analysis has greatly simplified the measurement of root length (Rowse and Phillips, 1974;Richards et al., 1979; systems, allowing more detailed and accurate assessment of standard Zoon and Van Tienderen, 1990). The most widely emroot variables. However, maize (Zea mays L.) root morphology has primarily been studied in conventional hybrids. We tested the hypoth-ployed methods are based on the line intersect principle, esis that genotypes carrying the leafy trait (taller plants with more which was first devised by Newman (1966) and later leaves and greater leaf area development) would have root morpholomodified (Marsh, 1971; Tennant, 1975). Because this gies differing from those of conventional maize hybrids. A 3 ϫ 3 method relies on visual counting of grid line-root interfactorial experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block cepts, it can be time consuming and prone to inaccuracy, design with three blocks, three fertilization levels (0, 127.5, and 255 especially when measuring samples with a large proporkg N ha Ϫ1 as NH 4 NO 3 ), and three maize genotypes [leafy reduced tion of fine roots (Smit et al., 1994). However, the line stature (LRS), leafy normal stature (LNS), and a conventional comintercept method improved root measurement and, in mercial hybrid Pioneer 3905 (P3905)]. The genotypes were selected particular, reduced the time required for analysis comfor their contrasting canopy and root architectures. Plants were grown pared with simpler, manual methods. For example, the in 63-L plastic containers, and the roots were measured at the silking stage (80 d from emergence) by scanner-based image analysis. In

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“…Computer‐assisted electronic image analyses have made root analysis less time‐consuming and allowed more accurate and less subjective measurement of root characteristics than the human eye is capable of making (Collins et al, 1987; Cunningham et al, 1989; Stutte and Stryjewski, 1995; Box, 1996). Electronic methods can be categorized according to the image acquisition system used: (i) video camera (Ottman and Timm, 1984; Cunningham et al, 1989) or (ii) optical scanner (Arsenault et al, 1995; Kaspar and Ewing, 1997).…”

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confidence: 99%

A Sampling Method for Measurement of Large Root Systems with Scanner‐Based Image Analysis

et al. 2000

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Measurement of relatively small (<100 m total length, <6 g fresh wt.) root systems has been simplified by image analysis, but measuring larger root systems remains time‐consuming and inaccurate. Reliability of root estimation can be improved through identification of effective sampling methods. We devised a system for the collection of homogeneous root subsamples by air‐stirring in water. We optimized the subsampling technique and used a scanner‐based image analysis system to measure total root length, mean root diameter, and root surface area of three maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes with contrasting root morphologies: leafy reduced stature (LRS), leafy normal stature (LNS), and Pioneer 3905 (P3905), a commercial hybrid. Root length was determined for 957 subsamples. Confidence intervals were generated by software using the bootstrap resampling approach for optimizing sample size. Confidence intervals for mean estimates of each sample size were defined by ordering the evaluation function values from the smallest to the largest in a set of 5000 iterations. The lower and upper bounds of confidence intervals were also calculated using the standard procedure. This system allowed collection of homogeneous subsamples. Calculations showed that ∼10% of total root volume should be analyzed for estimation of the entire root system to be accurate within 10%. Although unreplicated, these data suggest that maize genotypes with the leafy trait have greater root lengths (1.75 km for LRS, 2.37 km for LNS, and 0.49 km for conventional commercial hybrid P3905) and a greater proportion of fine roots than the nonleafy type.

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Improved methods of estimating root length using a photocopier, a light box and a bar code reader

Cited by 10 publications

References 7 publications

A rapid quantitative measurement of root length and root branching by microcomputer image analysis

A rapid quantitative measurement of root length and root branching by microcomputer image analysis

Root Morphology of Contrasting Maize Genotypes

A Sampling Method for Measurement of Large Root Systems with Scanner‐Based Image Analysis

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