Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025

RGB and Spectral Root Imaging for Plant Phenotyping and Physiological Research: Experimental Setup and Imaging Protocols
Published on: August 8, 2017
Importance of individual root traits to understand crop root system in agronomic and environmental contexts
1Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan.
Abstract:
Resource acquisition, one of the major functions of roots, can contribute to crop growth and mitigating environmental impacts. The spatio-temporal distribution of roots in the soil in relation to the dynamics of the soil resources is critical in resource acquisition. Root distribution is determined by root system development. The root system consists of many individual roots of different types and ages. Each individual root has specific development, resource acquisition, and transport traits, which change with root growth. The integration of individual root traits in the root system could exhibit crop performance in the various environments via root distribution in the soil. However, the relationship between individual root traits and the pattern of root distribution is complicated. To understand this complicated relationship, we need to evaluate enormous numbers of individual root traits and understand the relationship between individual root development and root distribution as well as the integrated functions of individual root traits along with dynamics of resources in the soil.
Related Concept Videos
Basic Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves
Water and Mineral Acquisition
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss

