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Minirhizotron Wheat Root Data: Comparisons to Soil Core Root Data

USDA-ARS, P.O. Box 555, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Ramseur formerly Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Georgia, Georgia Station, Griffin, GA 30223-1797

^* Corresponding author.

A nondestructive, quick, and efficient root measurement technique that quantifies root dynamics is critical to understanding environmental effects on rooting. The objective of this study was to compare roots of three cultivars of soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) observed in minirhizotron with those washed from soil cores. Minirhizotron determinations were root count (C_a, count cm^–2) and root length (L_a, cm cm^–2) per unit area; soil core determinations were root length (L_v, cm cm^–3) and root dry weight (W_v, mg cm^–3) per unit volume. Growth stages studied were double ridge, early boot, milk, and soft dough. Analysis of variance showed that growth stage and soil depth were significant for L_v, W_v, C_a and L_a. Cultivar was significant at early boot and milk growth stages for C_a. Linear regression of L_v, W_v or L_a as a function of C_a provided highly significant slope and,except for W_v, intercept values. Statistically, C_a was the most discriminating minirhizotron measurement parameter.

Received for publication August 19, 1991.

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