A new, affordable method for observing root growth using Rootrainers

What is it about?

This paper describes a new, affordable method for observing and sampling plant roots. It uses Rootrainers, which open up (like a book) enabling easy observation of the root system. In the paper we demonstrate using the new method to identify differences in the rooting traits of different lettuce varieties.

Featured Image

Photo by Guillaume Lobet on Unsplash

Photo by Guillaume Lobet on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Plant roots are important for overall plant health and productivity, and improved rooting traits could lead to crops which are better adapted to the changing climate. However, they are difficult to observe when grown in soil/compost. Most methods require expensive or specialist pieces of equipment, but our method uses Rootrainers which are readily available online and from garden centres. This should make researching roots more accessible.

Perspectives

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I hope this methodology enables many more people to be able to afford and carry out research into rooting traits.

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