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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Lignin Down-regulation of Zea mays via dsRNAi and Klason Lignin Analysis

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Published on: July 23, 2014

The Rolled Towel Method for Hormone Response Assays in Maize.

Clarice F Gonzales¹, Craig L Cowling¹, Dior R Kelley²

¹Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.

Cold Spring Harbor Protocols

|October 30, 2024

Summary

The updated rolled towel assay (RTA) offers a soil-free method for phenotyping maize seedling responses to various chemicals, aiding in genetic screens and trait analysis.

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Imaging and Analysis for Quantifying Maize (Zea mays) Abiotic Stress Phenotypes

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Published on: March 28, 2025

Area of Science:

Plant Science
Genetics
Agricultural Science

Background:

The rolled towel assay (RTA) is a soil-free method for evaluating juvenile crop phenotypes.
Existing protocols require updates for modern phenotyping needs in crops like maize and soybean.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an updated, scalable RTA protocol for phenotyping maize seedling responses to chemical treatments.
To detail methods for root trait annotation and primary root length data analysis.

Main Methods:

Utilized an updated rolled towel assay (RTA) protocol for maize seedlings.
Tested the protocol with synthetic auxin herbicides, an auxin precursor, and an auxin inhibitor.
Included detailed instructions for root trait annotation and data analysis.

Main Results:

The protocol successfully phenotyped maize seedling responses to tested chemicals.
Demonstrated the RTA's versatility for various plant growth regulators soluble in growth media.
Provided a framework for root trait analysis and data interpretation.

Conclusions:

The updated RTA protocol is effective for maize seedling phenotyping and chemical response analysis.
This method is scalable for genetic screens, gene expression studies, GWASs, and QTL identification.
The protocol facilitates robust analysis of root traits in response to chemical stimuli.