Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025

Investigation of Plant Interactions Across Common Mycorrhizal Networks Using Rotated Cores
Published on: March 26, 2019
Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma enhance root penetration in compacted soils
Hannah M Schneider1, Christopher F Strock1, Meredith T Hanlon1
1Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802.
Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma (MCS) is a root trait enhancing penetration in hard soils. This discovery offers a new avenue for improving crop performance in compacted environments.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Agronomy
- Genetics
Background:
- Mechanical impedance in soil restricts root growth, limiting nutrient and water uptake.
- Understanding root anatomical adaptations is crucial for improving crop resilience in challenging soil conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a root anatomical phene in maize and wheat associated with penetrating hard or compacted soils.
- To evaluate the genetic basis and functional significance of this trait for plant performance.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of root anatomy, focusing on cell wall-to-lumen ratio and UV emission.
- Genome-wide association mapping to determine heritability and genetic control.
- Measurement of root lignin concentration, bending strength, tensile strength, and field performance (root depth, shoot biomass).
Main Results:
- Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma (MCS) was identified as a key phene for hard soil penetration.
- MCS is heritable, genetically controlled, and associated with increased root lignin concentration and bending strength.
- Maize and wheat genotypes with MCS exhibited improved root penetration, tensile strength, root depth, and shoot biomass in compacted soils.
Conclusions:
- MCS is a significant anatomical trait for enhancing root penetration and overall plant performance in compacted soils.
- The presence of MCS in modern cultivars suggests its evolutionary advantage, while its absence in wild relatives warrants further study.
- MCS presents a promising target for genetic improvement of crops like maize and wheat to overcome edaphic stress.
Related Concept Videos
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Plant Cells and Tissues
Basic Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves
Meristems and Plant Growth
Porosity in Cement Paste
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...

