Plant density modifies root system architecture in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through a change in nodal root number
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In: Plant and Soil, Vol. 439, No. 1-2, 15.06.2019, p. 179-200.
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Plant density modifies root system architecture in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through a change in nodal root number
AU - Hecht, Vera L.
AU - Temperton, Victoria Martine
AU - Nagel, Kerstin A
AU - Rascher, Uwe
AU - Pude, Ralf
AU - Postma, Johannes A.
PY - 2019/6/15
Y1 - 2019/6/15
N2 - Aim: Previously, we showed that sowing density influences root length density (RLD), specific root length (SRL) especially in the topsoil, and shallowness of fine roots of field grown spring barley (Hordeum vulagre L.). Here, we ask which trait components may explain these observed changes. Method: We grew two spring barley cultivars at contrasting sowing densities in both field trials and rhizotrons, and excavated root crowns and imaged root growth. Results: In the field, tiller and nodal root numbers per plant decreased with increasing sowing density, however, nodal roots per tiller, seminal roots per plant, and lateral branching frequencies were not affected. Branching angle did not or only slightly declined with increasing sowing density. In rhizotrons, aboveground only tiller number was affected by sowing density. Root growth rates and counts were not (or only slightly) affected. Conclusion: Greater RLD at high sowing densities is largely explained by greater main root number per area. The altered seminal to nodal root ratio might explain observed increases in SRL. We conclude that sowing density is a modifier of root system architecture with probable functional consequences, and thereby an important factor to be considered in root studies or the development of root ideotypes for agriculture.
AB - Aim: Previously, we showed that sowing density influences root length density (RLD), specific root length (SRL) especially in the topsoil, and shallowness of fine roots of field grown spring barley (Hordeum vulagre L.). Here, we ask which trait components may explain these observed changes. Method: We grew two spring barley cultivars at contrasting sowing densities in both field trials and rhizotrons, and excavated root crowns and imaged root growth. Results: In the field, tiller and nodal root numbers per plant decreased with increasing sowing density, however, nodal roots per tiller, seminal roots per plant, and lateral branching frequencies were not affected. Branching angle did not or only slightly declined with increasing sowing density. In rhizotrons, aboveground only tiller number was affected by sowing density. Root growth rates and counts were not (or only slightly) affected. Conclusion: Greater RLD at high sowing densities is largely explained by greater main root number per area. The altered seminal to nodal root ratio might explain observed increases in SRL. We conclude that sowing density is a modifier of root system architecture with probable functional consequences, and thereby an important factor to be considered in root studies or the development of root ideotypes for agriculture.
KW - Ecosystems Research
KW - Nodal & seminal roots
KW - tiller counts
KW - lateral branching frequency
KW - branching angle
KW - lab to field
KW - plant competition
KW - Nodal & seminal roots
KW - Tiller counts
KW - Lateral branching frequency
KW - Branching angle
KW - Lab to field
KW - Plant competition
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85052616756&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11104-018-3764-9
DO - 10.1007/s11104-018-3764-9
M3 - Journal articles
VL - 439
SP - 179
EP - 200
JO - Plant and Soil
JF - Plant and Soil
SN - 0032-079X
IS - 1-2
ER -