TY - JOUR
T1 - On the fractal dimensions of a root system
AU - Eshel, A.
PY - 1998/2
Y1 - 1998/2
N2 - Several attempts have been made to apply the principles of fractal geometry to the description of root systems. However, fractal analysis of a real plant root system that maintains its original three-dimensional structure has not been performed to date. An intact root system of a dwarf tomato plant was embedded in gelatin and cut into 3 mm slices. Image analysis was used to collect the data required for determination of three-dimensional and planar fractal dimensions. It was found that the root system has characteristics of a fractal object. The variation of the planar fractal dimension of horizontal and vertical planes intersecting the root system was shown, and their maxima were found to correspond with maximal root proliferation. These results open the way for further application of fractal analysis in root research.
AB - Several attempts have been made to apply the principles of fractal geometry to the description of root systems. However, fractal analysis of a real plant root system that maintains its original three-dimensional structure has not been performed to date. An intact root system of a dwarf tomato plant was embedded in gelatin and cut into 3 mm slices. Image analysis was used to collect the data required for determination of three-dimensional and planar fractal dimensions. It was found that the root system has characteristics of a fractal object. The variation of the planar fractal dimension of horizontal and vertical planes intersecting the root system was shown, and their maxima were found to correspond with maximal root proliferation. These results open the way for further application of fractal analysis in root research.
KW - Dwarf tomato
KW - Lycopersicum esculentum
KW - Root architecture
KW - Root system complexity
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0031958886&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1046/j.1365-3040.1998.00252.x
DO - 10.1046/j.1365-3040.1998.00252.x
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AN - SCOPUS:0031958886
SN - 0140-7791
VL - 21
SP - 247
EP - 251
JO - Plant, Cell and Environment
JF - Plant, Cell and Environment
IS - 2
ER -