A Plate Growth Assay to Quantify Embryonic Root Development of Zea mays
Jason T Roberts1, Tyler J McCubbin2, David M Braun1,2
1Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, and Missouri Maize Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Bio-Protocol
|October 30, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a sterile plate assay for maize (Zea mays) growth, enabling non-invasive root imaging. The method supports diverse experimental conditions and is adaptable for other cereal crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Murashige-Skoog medium is standard for plant growth assays, but typically uses Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Existing methods for larger seeds like maize (Zea mays) often use paper towel rolls, limiting root imaging and increasing contamination risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sterile plate growth assay for maize (Zea mays) seedlings.
- To enable non-invasive, real-time imaging of maize root development.
- To provide a versatile platform for testing various growth conditions and additives.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes Murashige-Skoog medium on large acrylic plates for seedling cultivation.
- Combines a paper towel roll method for uniform germination with sterile transfer to plates.
- Allows for controlled environmental conditions (temperature, light) and media modifications.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a sterile plate assay for maize (Zea mays) seedlings.
- Facilitates real-time photographic analysis of root and shoot growth for up to two weeks.
- Demonstrates adaptability for other cereal crops and inclusion of various experimental additives.
Conclusions:
- The developed plate assay overcomes limitations of traditional methods for maize root studies.
- Offers a robust, adaptable platform for high-throughput phenotyping and genetic analysis in cereals.
- Supports detailed investigation of plant development under diverse controlled conditions.
