ISHS Acta Horticulturae 396: Hydroponics and Transplant Production
MARIGOLD ROOT DEVELOPMENT DURING PLUG PRODUCTION |
| Authors: | R.L. Geneve, J.W. Buxton |
| Keywords: | Tagetes, Video imaging, Image analysis, Root topology, Root architecture |
| Abstract:
Root system development was measured in marigold seedlings over a 16 day period in three plug cell volumes (5, 6.5 and 9 cm3). The number and total length of roots increased geometrically over the 16 day growing period. Plug container volume did not effect seedling growth until the 13th day. After 16 days, shoot and root dry weight for seedlings in 5 cm3 was only 63 and 49%, respectively of the seedlings grown in the 9.5 cm3 cell volumes. Topological data indicated that marigold displayed a branched dichotomous root system. Plants in the larger cell size had fewer root apices and shorter internal and exterior root paths lengths. This represents a root system that is less efficient at medium exploitation but is biologically less expensive to produce. | |
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