Allometric relationships in young seedlings of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) following removal of certain root types

A. Eshel, C. Srinivasa Rao, A. Benzioni, Y. Waisel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sink-source relationships and allometric ratios were studied in young seedlings of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) following pruning of some root types. The plants were grown in an aeroponic system allowing an easy access to each part of the root system, throughout the experiment, without disturbing the others. Root, leaf and stem growth as well as their mineral content were determined in one group of undisturbed plants (CTRL) and in four groups of plants treated as follows: TAP-the distal-free portion of the taproot was removed; HALF-half the laterals were removed; ALL-all lateral roots were removed, and TAP+HALF-both the distal part of the taproot and half of the laterals were removed. Removal of all the lateral roots (ALL) induced the development of a longer taproot but severely arrested shoot growth. Phosphorus, potassium and calcium contents were lower in the plants of the ALL treatment. However, the content of Mg was practically unaffected. The effect of the HALF treatment was hardly noticeable but the effects of TAP+HALF treatment were cumulative. The allometric relationships between the surface area of the roots and that of the leaves were restored within the experimental period, apparently due to reduction in shoot growth. Removal of the distal parts of the taproot did not cause an increase in shoot growth. This indicates that the strength of the sinks (mostly of lateral roots) rather than that of the source determines these relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Article number337044
Pages (from-to)161-166
Number of pages6
JournalPlant and Soil
Volume233
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Funding

FundersFunder number
Dept. of Ecology, University of Bielefeld
German ministry for Science
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

    Keywords

    • Aeroponics
    • Allometric relations
    • Faba beans
    • Lateral roots
    • Sink strength
    • Taproot

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