Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

RGB and Spectral Root Imaging for Plant Phenotyping and Physiological Research: Experimental Setup and Imaging Protocols
Published on: August 8, 2017
Rapid decline in nitrate uptake and respiration with age in fine lateral roots of grape: implications for root
Astrid Volder1, David R Smart, Arnold J Bloom
1The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Horticulture, University Park, PA, USA. a-volder@tamu.edu
Abstract:
Changes in function as an individual root ages has important implications for understanding resource acquisition, competitive ability and optimal lifespan. Both nitrate uptake and respiration rates of differently aged fine roots of grape (Vitis rupestris x V. riparia cv. 3309 C) were measured. The resulting data were then used to simulate nitrate uptake efficiency and nutrient depletion as a function of root age. Both nitrate uptake and root respiration declined remarkably quickly with increasing root age. The decline in both N uptake and root respiration corresponded with a strong decline in root N concentration, suggesting translocation of nitrogen out of the roots. For simulations where no nutrient depletion occurs at the root surface, daily uptake efficiency was maximal at root birth and lifetime nitrate uptake efficiency slowly increased as the roots aged. Simulations of growth of roots into unoccupied soil using a solute transport model indicated the advantage of high uptake capacity in new roots under competitive conditions where nitrate availability is very transitory.
Related Concept Videos
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation

