A Platform to Quantify Phenotypic Responses to Root-Root Interactions
Among Common Beans
Abstract
Quantifying phenotypes of root-root interactions would allow a greater
understanding of how plants react to belowground competition through
plasticity of architectural traits. Past research has shown that plants
will over proliferate roots in the presence of competition, leaving less
resources to allocate above ground, negatively impacting shoot growth
and yields [1]. Further evidence highlights a response to
neighboring plants in the root architecture of Arabidposis thaliana, as
individuals concentrate root mass towards their competitors [2]. To
visualize and quantify root architecture plasticity involved in these
root-root interactions in real soil, we developed a modified mesocosm
system. Within the mesocosm box common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds
were germinated 10 inches apart from each other. Mesh screens were
placed on either side of each bean, in order to capture root growth
towards each other and/or away from each other. Plants were harvested at
the 7-week mark, when the root archetype of each individual was
developed and prominent. To harvest our boxes three sides of the
mesocosm box was removed and the soil was washed away. Images of each
box was taken to produce 3D models. Improvements to the mesocosm system
will be made to reliably extract root traits in real soil. These
experiments will shine light on an understudied section of crop science
and will allow farmers and researchers a better understanding of an
otherwise unseen phenomena.