ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
Apple
;
Mycorrhizas
;
Phosphorus
;
Root activity
;
Root growth
;
Water
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary The paper reviews information, much of it obtained from studies using the East Malling root observation laboratories, on the growth and development of the fruit tree root system. The production of new white root varies from year-to-year, generally being highest in the early years. As trees age, woody roots constitute an increasing fraction of total root length although the contribution made by new root growth to the total root length of established trees is also affected by soil management, being higher for trees under grass than under herbicide. Soil management also affects the balance of short (lateral) to long (extension) roots; under grass there are more lateral roots. Calculation of the rate of water uptake per unit root length needed at various times in the year to meet transpirational demand, suggests that woody roots, which recent experimental work has shown to be capable of absorbing water, must be responsible for much of total water supply. Measurements of VA mycorrhizal infection in field-grown trees indicated, for part of the season, higher per cent infection in trees grown under irrigated grass than under herbicide management. It is suggested that this, which is associated with raised leaf phosphorus levels, may be due at least partly to higher numbers of lateral roots, the root type which becomes infected. The growth and functioning of the root system under field conditions depend upon the production and integration of a range of root types.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02182638
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