Experimental Approaches for Assessing Root Mechanical Properties in Maize
- 1Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, USA
- 2Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65201, USA
- 3Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
- ↵5Correspondence: esparks{at}missouri.edu
Abstract
The mechanical properties of individual roots and entire root systems play key roles in essential root functions such as water and nutrient acquisition, defense against soil microorganisms, and plant anchorage. However, relatively few studies have quantified the mechanics (e.g., stiffness and strength) of individual and entire root systems, or explored the link between root mechanics and root functions. This limitation is likely due to a lack of standardized methods for quantifying root mechanical properties, and has created a gap in our understanding of how root mechanical traits contribute to root functions. To date, most of our knowledge comes from studies in maize, where mechanical failure (i.e., root lodging) has detrimental impacts on crop yield. Here, we review the importance of root mechanics for maize production and discuss methods used to measure individual and entire root system mechanics.
Footnotes
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↵4 These authors contributed equally to this work.
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From the Maize collection, edited by Candice N. Hirsch and Marna D. Yandeau-Nelson. The entire Maize collection is available online at Cold Spring Harbor Protocols and can be accessed at https://cshprotocols.cshlp.org/.
