Comparison between the seminal and nodal root systems of winter wheat in their activity for N and K uptake

The activity of seminal and nodal root systems of winter wheat (cv. Avalon) in taking up NO₃^? and K⁺ has been measured in solution culture using a split root technique. Plants in the tillering phase of growth (36 days old) were used for the experiment which lasted 20 days. During this time plant dry weights increased by a factor of 20, whilst root: shoot ratios and nutrient compositions remained constant. Inflows (uptake rate per unit root length) were 2–6 times higher for the nodal roots than for the seminal roots, with values varying between 1 and 9 pmol cm^?1 s^?1 for N and between 0.5 and 4 pmol cm^?1 s^?1 for K. When uptake was expressed on the basis of unit fresh weight of roots, values ranged from 1 to 2.3 pmol mg^?1 s^?1 for N and from 0.4 to 1.0 pmol mg^?1 s^?1 for K, and there were only very small differences in uptake efficiency between the nodal and seminal roots. Uptake rate per unit root decreased with plant age. This was caused by a decline in shoot demand due to the reduction of the relative growth rate. When either the nodal or seminal root system alone was supplied with nutrients, uptake rate per unit root increased and nutrient uptake per plant reached 72–92% of the control.     

冬小麦不同单位根的功能及分组的研究

应用(15)~N示踪技术研究了冬小麦不同单位根的特性、功能及对产量构成因素的影响。不同单位根的根干重、根长度及吸(15)~N量等,由下而上依次减少。各单位根吸收(15)~N后,蘖根之间,蘖蘖之间皆可互相运转,但其运转比例不同,其功能模式是:(15)~N喂全株根或专喂初生根,则先供给主茎,其次是分蘖,而且随蘖位升高而递减;喂n单位根,则先供给n单位本身(包括主茎),其次是n+2或n-2单位的蘖(同侧蘖),然后是n+1或n-1单位的蘖(对侧蘖),最后是未喂(15)~N的根系。依照各单位根的功能,小麦根可分为3组:初生根组、次生根下位组和次生根上位组。各组根吸收肥料氮量占总氮量的百分比分别是26.7％、31.4％和41.9％。各组根的主要功能是:初生根组在小麦一生中都起重要作用,但主要是促进冬前分蘖;次生根下位组对巩固分蘖,促进穗部发育起主要作用;次生根上位组对提高结实率、籽粒灌浆起决定作用。     

Rhizosphere micro-organisms of seminal and nodal roots of wheat grown in pots

Wheat grown in Gabalong soil was examined for the microflora of its seminal and nodal root systems of similar age. At all stages of sampling, the seminal roots were found to support a significantly-larger population of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi in their rhizosphere than the nodal roots. The seminal roots had higher numbers of bacteria and actinomycetes in their residues, but fungal numbers were not significantly different. The “rhizosphere effects” of the two root systems, in the combined analysis, were significantly different only for fungi. An interesting trend on both root systems was that while the numbers of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi in the rhizosphere decreased with root age, their numbers in the residue increased with age.     

Influence of soil humic substances and herbicides on the growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) in nutrient solution 1

No morphological and length modifications of the root and shoot systems are apparent in pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants of three varieties grown in the presence of 100 mg/L humic acid or fulvic acid or 20 mg/L linuron [3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐l‐methoxy‐l‐methylurea] or ametryne [2‐ethylamino‐4‐iso‐propylamino‐6‐methylthio‐1,3,5‐triazine]. A combination of humic substance and herbicide at these concentrations produces in all pea varieties a differentiated and marked reduction in root length and large morphological alterations of roots. Statistical analysis of data show that differentiated and highly significant or significant effects are produced on the shoot and root dry weight by either the humic substance or herbicide alone, and by any combination of two or three factors considered (variety, humic substance, herbicide).     

The effect of soil liming on shoot development, root growth, and cluster root activity of white lupin

 The effects of a limed soil upon root and shoot growth of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) were investigated using soil tubes and pots. After 75 days in the soil tubes, the combined taproot and lateral root dry weight in limed soil (2.5% CaO w/w) was significantly less than in neutral pH soil (by 57%). However, the dry weight and numbers of cluster roots remained comparable between the treatments, demonstrating for the first time that the cluster roots respond differently to the rest of the root system. Cluster roots accounted for 17% of the total root biomass in neutral soil, increasing significantly to over 30% in limed soil. When grown for 43 days in pots containing soil with different additions of lime (0.5–2.5% CaO w/w), soil citrate concentrations were higher than in the neutral pH soil treatment in all except the 2.5% lime treatment, in which they were lower. In both experiments, shoot dry weights were lower in the presence of the limed soil compared with those in the neutral pH soil. Although a reduction in shoot dry weight was not apparent at 21 days in the limed-soil tubes, the initiation of fewer mainstem leaf primordia indicated a slower shoot development than occurred in the neutral soil. Plants grown in the limed-soil tubes showed leaf yellowing and some chlorosis within 9 days. At the final harvest, the shoot phosphorus and manganese concentrations were significantly lower in plants grown in limed soil compared with those in the neutral pH soil, whereas the concentration of calcium was higher. Received: 11 October 1999     

Interacting effects of topsoil water and nitrogen supply on subsoil aluminium toxicity

Abstract

The interacting effects between topsoil water supply, nitrogen (N) placement and subsoil aluminum (Al) toxicity on wheat growth were studied in two split‐root pot experiments. The native nitrate‐N (NO₃‐N) in the topsoil used in each experiment differed and were designated as high (3706 μM) and low (687 μM) for experiments one and two, respectively. Wheat was grown in pots that enabled the root system to be split so that half of the roots were in topsoil and the other half were in subsoils containing varying concentrations of soluble Al. Treatments were imposed which varied the supply of water to the topsoil (either ‘wet’ or ‘dry'). Placement of applied N in either the topsoil or subsoil had little effect on either shoot or root fresh weight, or on the length of roots produced in the subsoil section of the split pots. When water supply to the topsoil was decreased, both shoot and root growth of wheat declined and the yield decrease increased with subsoil Al. In the high‐N experiment, wheat grown in the low Al subsoil with the high native soluble subsoil (NO₃ (3002 μM) was able to exploit the N and subsoil water, hence both shoot and root growth increased considerably in comparison to shoot and root growth of wheat grown in soils containing higher concentrations of subsoil Al. When the native NO₃ was lower (i.e. the low‐N experiment) inadequate root proliferation restricted the ability of plants to use subsoil N and water irrespective of subsoil Al. The results from this study suggest that wheat, grown on yellow earths with Al‐toxic subsoils, will suffer yield reductions when the topsoil dries out (e.g. in the spring when winter rainfall ceases) because subsoil reserves of water and nitrogen are under utilised.     

Genotypic differences in effects of cadmium on growth and nutrient compositions in wheat

Abstract

A solution culture study was conducted to determine the genotypic difference in the effects of cadmium (Cd) addition on growth and on the uptake and distribution of Cd and other 11 nutrients in wheat plants. Cadmium addition at a rate of 1 mg L^?1 significantly reduced root and shoot dry matter production, shoot height, root length, chlorophyll content, and tillers per plant. On the average of 16 wheat genotypes used in study, Cd concentrations of Cd‐treated plants were 48.1 and 459 μg g^?1 dry weight (DW) in shoots and roots, respectively, and retained 77.91% of total Cd taken up in the roots. On the whole, Cd addition reduced the concentration of sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), and boron (B), and increased iron (Fe), irrespective of the plant parts. The effect of Cd on the concentration of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and copper (Cu) differed in shoots and roots. The significant difference existed among 16 wheat genotypes in their response to Cd in terms of growth and nutrient concentrations. Genotype E81513, which showed relatively less inhibition in growth, had the lowest shoot Cd concentration and more Cd accumulation in roots, while Ailuyuang had the highest Cd concentration and accumulation in shoot with lower Cd concentration in root. The significant interaction was found between Cd treatment and genotype for all nutrient concentrations in both shoot and root, except S and Zn in root.     

A flood-free period combined with early planting is required to sustain yield of pre-rice sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Abstract

Understanding the responses of sweet sorghum to flooding and the characters associated with flooding tolerance may be a useful strategy for pre-rice production and help meet demand for biofuel feedstock. Three sweet sorghum genotypes (Bailey, Keller and Wray) and five flooding treatments including non-flooding control, continuous flooding extended from 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after emergence to harvest were conducted under greenhouse conditions. Flooding decreased leaf dry weight (22–60%), leaf area (10–70%), number of node per stalk (1–5%), shoot dry weight (5–20%) and stalk yield (2–22%) with highest reduction in 30 days after emergence flooding treatment. Flooding later than 30 days after emergence did not significantly affect shoot growth, yield and yield components. Brix value, sucrose content and total sugar content were not significantly affected. All studied cultivars had similar shoot growth response. Flooding induced development of roots in water; root length, root dry weight, nodal root and lateral root number and interconnection of aerenchyma spaces from roots in flooded soil to stalk base above water level but suppressed root growth in flooded soil. The acclimation traits were highest in Keller, flooding from 30 days after emergence but there was a lack of root development in 75 days after emergence flooding treatments. These findings indicate the effect of waterlogging on sweet sorghum growth and yield strongly depends on the growth stage at which it occurs. There were genetic variations in root morphological and anatomical responses to flooding of sweet sorghum. The development of nodal and lateral roots and aerenchyma formation from flooded plant parts to stalk bases above water level may distribute to flooding tolerance in sweet sorghum. Based on the results, a flood-free period of at least 30 days after emergence is required to sustain yield of pre-rice sweet sorghum and early planting is highly recommended.     

小麦苗期吸收和积累镉能力的品种间差异

采用水培方法,研究了25个小麦品种苗期对镉的吸收和积累的差异,以期筛选具有Cd低积累潜力的小麦品种。结果表明,Cd对地上部干物重有显著抑制作用,对地下部干物重影响因品种而异,对春性品种有抑制作用,对半冬性小麦品种有促进作用。小麦对镉的吸收、积累、耐性指数以及镉运转效率有极显著的品种间差异。在1μmol·L-1的Cd处理下,根系镉含量为33.1～139.7mg·kg-1,积累量为2.12～9.78μg·plant-1,地上部镉含量为3.6～15.3mg·kg-1,积累量为0.45～1.44μg·plant-1,表明小麦体内的Cd主要积累在地下部而非地上部。因此,以地上部Cd积累量为筛选指标,将25个小麦品种划分为Cd高积累型、Cd中积累型、Cd低积累型。     

Composition and Quality of Wheat Grown Under Different Shoot and Root Temperatures During Maturation

Diminished quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from high temperature during maturation is usually attributed to direct effects of the stress on the shoots or grain. However, the upper soil temperature approaches the air temperature, and roots are highly sensitive and interact profoundly with other plant parts. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of differential shoot and root temperatures on quality of hard red spring wheat (cv. Len). Plants were grown in hydroponic containers at 15/10°C day/night until 10 days after anthesis, when shoot/root treatments of 15/15°C, 15/30°C, 30/15°C, and 30/30°C were imposed until the grain ripened. Both high shoot and high root temperature affected quality of the grain. Kernel size and weight were diminished more by high root than by high shoot temperature, but flour yield was decreased significantly only by the 30/30°C treatment. The percentage of starch in B granules was reduced by high shoot temperature, and the diameter of A granules was decreased by all heat treatments. Amylose concentration was increased by high temperatures of both shoot and root, resulting in decreased pasting characteristics. Flour protein increased after all heat treatments, but high shoot temperature decreased the polymer‐to‐monomer ratio and unextractable polymeric protein and it affected dough mixing. We concluded that stress on roots directly affects properties of the grain that are important for milling and baking.     

Growth, P uptake and rhizosphere properties of intercropped wheat and chickpea in soil amended with iron phosphate or phytate

Intercropping has been shown to increase total yield and nutrient uptake compared to monocropping. However, depending on crop combinations, one crop may dominate and decrease the growth of the other. Interactions in the soil, especially in the rhizosphere, may be important in the interactions between intercropped plant genotypes. To assess the role of the rhizosphere interactions, we intercropped a P-inefficient wheat genotype (Janz) with either the P-efficient wheat genotype (Goldmark) or chickpea in a soil with low P availability amended with 100 mg P kg⁻¹ as FePO₄ (FeP) or phytate. The plants were grown for 10 weeks in pots where the roots of the genotypes could intermingle (no barrier, NB), were separated by a 30 μm mesh (mesh barrier, MB), preventing direct root contact but allowing exchange of diffusible compounds and microorganisms, or were completely separated by a solid barrier (SB). When supplied with FeP, Janz intercropped with chickpea had higher shoot and grain dry weight (dw) and greater plant P uptake in NB and MB than in SB. Contact with roots of Janz increased shoot, grain and root dw, root length, shoot P concentration and shoot P uptake of chickpea compared to SB. Root contact between the two wheat genotypes, Janz and Goldmark, had no effect on growth and P uptake of Janz. Shoot and total P uptake by Goldmark were significantly increased in NB compared to MB or SB. In both crop combinations, root contact significantly increased total plant dw and P uptake per pot. Plant growth and P uptake were lower with phytate and not significantly affected by barrier treatment. Differences in microbial P, available P and phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere among genotypes and barrier treatments were generally small. Root contact changed microbial community structure (assessed by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis) and all crops had similar rhizosphere microbial community structure when their roots intermingled.     

Modelling Sonchus arvensis root biomass allocation to below-ground shoot and fine root growth

Below-ground (bg) shoot emergence rates of Sonchus arvensis are dependent on temperature and root weight. However, it is unknown to what extent this is due to a root depletion rate that depends on initial root weight, or due to differences in resource allocation to fine root and bg shoot growth. To resolve this, we retrieved data from an experiment in which plants were grown in the dark at constant temperature (4°C, 8°C, and 18°C) and harvested prior to or at shoot emergence. A dynamic mass-balance model, in which biomass of the initial root was allocated to bg shoot and fine root daily growth, and where respiration took place from all tissues, was used. The relative depletion rate of root biomass (RDR; d^?1) and fraction of the depleted biomass allocated to bg shoots (SFRR) were estimated and calibrated to observed biomass. The RDR increased with initial root weight and temperature and SFFR was highest for light roots and lowest for heaviest roots, whereas the rest was allocated to fine root biomass. The length-to-biomass ratio of bg shoots decreased with initial root weight. Under between-year weather variations (2004–2010), the reduction in root biomass during the coldest April–May was simulated to be over 12 days delayed compared with the warmest spring. The influence of biomass allocation on bg shoot elongation of heavier roots was thus stimulated by a larger fraction of root biomass being depleted, but counteracted by a smaller fraction of it allocated into bg shoot elongation, compared with lighter roots. The complexity of shoot emergence based on root depletion estimates may be a reason why predictions based on only an accumulated root weight-specific temperature sum, as proposed by a previous study, are expected to be less uncertain than those based on root depletion estimates.     

Einfluß des Bodengefüges auf Wurzelwachstum und Phosphataufnahme von Sommerweizen

Influence of Soil Structure on Root Growth and P Uptake of Spring Wheat The effect of soil structure (fine aggregat, coarse aggregate and compacted structure) on root growth, root morphology, and P availability of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in pot and split root experiments using three soils (2 × Alfisol-Udalf, Alluvium). CAL-soluble P was 63–90 mg P · kg^?1 soil, indicating a sufficient P supply. Root length, root surface, root fresh weight, shoot weight, and seed yield were decreased due to coarse aggregate and compacted structure. Roots were significantly thickened and roots hairs were longer in the fine aggregate structure than in the compacted and coarse aggregate structures. P concentration in the shoot and P uptake of spring wheat growing in the coarse aggregate and compacted structure were lower because root growth was decreased. In the split root experiment, in contrast to pot experiment, P uptake was lower in the compacted than in the fine aggregate treatment. The results demonstrate that P availability was influenced by soil structure via the influence on root growth and thus access of roots to P.     

Tillering,nutrient accumulation,and yield of winter wheat as influenced by nitrogen form 1

When grown with mixtures of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) and ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) (mixed N) spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants develop higher order tillers and produce more grain than when grown with only NO₃. Because similar work is lacking for winter wheat, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of N form on tillering, nutrient acquisition, partitioning, and yield of winter wheat. Plants of three cultivars were grown to maturity hydroponically with nutrient solutions containing N as either all NO₃, all NH₄, or an equal mixture of both forms. At maturity, plants were harvested; separated into shoots, roots, and grain; and each part analyzed for dry matter and chemical composition. While the three cultivars varied in all parameters, mixed N plants always produced more tillers (by a range of 16 to 35%), accumulated more N (28 to 61%), phosphorus (P) (22 to 80%), and potassium (K) (11 to 89%) and produced more grain (33 to 60%) than those grown with either form alone. Although mixed N‐induced yield increases were mainly the result of an increase in grain bearing tillers, there was cultivar specific variation in individual yield components (i.e., tiller number, kernels per tiller, and kernel weight) which responded to N form. The presence of NH₄ (either alone or in the mixed N treatment), increased the concentration of reduced N in the shoots, roots, and grain of all cultivars. The effect of NH₄ in either treatment on the concentrations of P and K was variable and depended on the cultivar and plant part. In most cases, partitioning of dry matter, P, and K to the root decreased when NH₄ was present, while partitioning of N was relatively unaffected. Changes in partitioning between the shoot and grain were affected by N treatment, but varied according to cultivar. Based on these data, the changes in partitioning induced by NH₄ and the additional macronutrient accumulation with mixed N are at least partially responsible for mixed‐N‐induced increases in tillering and yield of winter wheat.     

供磷水平对苗期小麦地上和地下部性状关联性的影响

【目的】磷素是植物生长发育过程中必需的大量元素之一,土壤磷水平的高低对植物地上部和地下部性状有着显著的影响。探究高、低磷水平对小麦地上和地下部性状变化以及地上和地下部性状相关性变化的影响,为研究不同磷环境对小麦生长的影响,选育适应不同磷环境的优良小麦品种提供参考。【方法】小麦品种和磷水平双因素盆栽试验在河北农业大学温室内进行,供试土壤有效磷含量为5.50 mg/kg。试验设置0和200mg/kg两个施磷水平;选用10个小麦品种。小麦分别在两个磷水平下生长35天后收获,测定小麦幼苗地上部性状（干重、相对生长速率、地上部磷吸收量、地上部磷含量和叶绿素含量）和根部性状（根干重、根长、根冠比、比根长、根直径、细根比例、根组织密度、根际土壤pH和酸性磷酸酶活性）。【结果】与高磷处理相比,低磷处理小麦地上部干重、地上部磷吸收量以及地上部磷含量分别显著降低了57.9%～72.2%、85.7%～89.8%、61.3%～71.7%,小麦根长、细根比例、根组织密度、根冠比以及比根长分别增加了50.9%～249.5%、32.5%～442.5%、–34.5%～400.0%、27.4%～198.9%、74.4%...     

Effects of wheatfield soil on inocula of gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx & Olivier var. tritici J. Walker in relation to take-all decline

Organic debris extracted from wheatfield soils was found to be significantly more infective following 2–3 yr continuous wheat than after the fifth successive crop. Plots with added nitrogen yielded more infective debris than those without. Short periods of contact with decline soil or its suspension, reduced infection of wheat roots by Gaeumannomyces when they were subsequently grown in non-decline soil. Hyphae emerging from previously infected root pieces or culture inocula showed a positive growth response to wheat roots or their exudates. This response was negatively correlated to the distance between root and inoculum. In the presence of decline soil, hyphal response was significantly reduced. This reduction can be related to the decreased infectivity of decline soil and may help to explain take-all decline.     

Colonisation of seminal roots of wheat and barley by egg-parasitic nematophagous fungi and their effects on Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici and development of root-rot

This study provides evidence that egg-parasitic nematophagous fungi, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Pochonia rubescens and Lecanicillium lecanii, can also reduce root colonisation and root damage by a fungal pathogen. Interactions of nematophagous fungi with the take-all fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt), and their influence on severity of the root disease it causes were studied in laboratory and pot experiments. In Petri dish experiments the three nematophagous fungi reduced colonisation of barley roots by Ggt and also reduced necrotic symptoms. On the contrary, root colonisation by nematophagous fungi was unaffected by Ggt. In growth tube experiments, the three nematophagous fungi again reduced Ggt root colonisation and increased effective root length of barley seedlings. This was true for both simultaneous and sequential inoculation of nematophagous fungi versus Ggt. In the pot experiments the inoculum of the tested fungi in soil was applied in the same pot, as a mixture or in layers, or in coupled pots used for wheat grown with a split-root system. The nematophagous fungi P. chlamydosporia (isolate 4624) and L. lecanii (isolate 4629), mixed with Ggt or in split root systems with the pathogen, promoted growth of wheat (i.e. increased shoot weight), although no disease reduction was found. In split root systems, lower levels of peroxidase activity were found in seedlings inoculated with Ggt in combination with the nematophagous isolates 4624 and 4629 than when the take-all fungus was applied alone.Our results show that nematophagous fungi reduce root colonisation by Ggt, root damage and stress induced senescence in Ggt-inoculated plants.     

Aspects of the phosphorus nutrition of white clover populations. IV root growth and morphology

Most studies using split root or single isolated roots have demonstrated that root systems proliferate in regions of high nutrient supply, though it is not clear whether tne whole root system responds by producing more roots or by greater elongation of existing roots.

The effect of pretreatment and subsequent treatment at high and low phosphorus (P) supply on the rate of production and rate of elongation of roots was determined for 10 white clover populations, grown in nutrient solution. External P supply was shown to have a greater effect on root elongation rate than on root production rate.

Populations with many small roots (i.e. a low root weight/number ratio) were generally the most responsive to P, measured by shoot weight. Populations collected from low‐P soils had lower root elongation rates, shorter average root lengths and their root production rates were more responsive to P than populations from high‐P soils.     

地下部分隔对间作小麦养分吸收和白粉病发生的影响

通过根系分隔的盆栽试验,探讨了地下部分隔对小麦//蚕豆间作系统中小麦的养分吸收和白粉病发生的影响。结果表明:根系不分隔小麦的生物量和N、P、K吸收量均大于尼龙网分隔处理和根系完全分隔处理。根系分隔方式还影响了小麦白粉病的发生,小麦白粉病的发病率和发病指数均表现为根系不分隔(I)尼龙网分隔(M)完全分隔(P)。表明地下部的相互作用改善了小麦的生长,提高了小麦抗白粉病的能力。     

多效唑对小麦幼苗根系形成和活力的影响

50～200ppm MET处理,抑制小麦幼苗根系的垂直生长,促进根系发生,增加根冠比,增强根系活力,但不影响单株根系干重。进一步研究表明,MET降低过氧化物酶活性,促进同化物向根系运输,从而促进幼苗根系的形成。