Root Development of Wheat, Oats, and Barley Under Conditions of Soil Moisture Stress¹

Abstract

Synopsis Extent of root growth of cereal plants was highly correlated with the soil moisture level. With oats, wheat, or barley, little penetration of soils at or below the permanent wilting point occurred, but penetration by side‐oats grama and sand lovegrass under the same conditions was fairly extensive. Leaf growth continued after root extension ceased on the most drought‐susceptible oat and wheat varieties.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL EFFECTS OF SEVERE DROUGHT ON THE ROOTS OF LOLIUM PERENNE L.

“…A decrease in root growth at low soil water potentials has been reported by various workers (e.g. Salim, Todd & Schlehuber, 1965;Newman, 1966a;Briske & Wilson, 1980;King & Bush, 1985;Mackay & Barber, 1985;Stevenson & Laidlaw, 1985). This decrease in root growth has commonly been attributed to the fact that root elongation is in part a hydration process (e.g.…”

Physiological Significance of Internal Water Relations to Crop Yield

“…Although it is sometimes stated that root development is enhanced relative to shoot development during stress, there is little quantitative information on this point (Weaver, 1926;Troughton, 1962;Salim, Todd, and Schlehuber, 1965). Two types of effects can be expected, the first being a reduction in rates of meristematic activity, and of root elongation, directly associated with the level of internal water deficit; the second, an effect of suberization on the water and nutrient uptake properties of the root system as a whole.…”

“…Most research has shown a progressive reduction in rate of root elongation as water stress is imposed (Salim, Todd, and Schlehuber, 1965;Newman, 1966) and, in some cases, root elongation ceases before shoot growth. In this regard Newman's (1966) work with flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) shows a high dependence of rate of root extension on local soil water potential.…”

Some Effects of Soil Moisture Stress on the Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.)1

“…;'Jorell and Faulkner (5) concluded that maximum leaf development of spring wheat occurred during the flowering stage, and maximum stem development took plc:ce during the filling stage of growth. Soil moisture str•~ss decreased root penetration and prevented normal plc:nt growth and development in wheat according to Kramer (8), and Salim, Todd, and Schlehuber (13). Robins and Domingo (12) stated that severe soilmoisture stress must be avoided from the boot stage to maturity for maximum wheat yields.…”