Abstract
Understanding root processes at the whole-plant or ecosystem scales requires an accounting of the range of functions within a root system. Studying root traits based on their branching order can be a powerful approach to understanding this complex system. The current study examined the highly branched root system of the ericoid plant, Vaccinium corymbosum L. (highbush blueberry) by classifying its root orders with a modified version of the morphometric approach similar to that used in hydrology for stream classification. Root anatomy provided valuable insight into variation in root function across orders. The more permanent portion of the root system occurred in 4th- and higher-order roots. Roots in these orders had radial growth; the lowest specific root length, N:C ratios, and mycorrhizal colonization; the highest tissue density and vessel number; and the coarsest root diameter. The ephemeral portion of the root system was mainly in the first three root orders. First- and 2nd-order roots were nearly anatomically identical, with similar mycorrhizal colonization and diameter, and also, despite being extremely fine, median lifespans were not very short (115-120 d; estimated with minirhizotrons). Our research underscores the value of examining root traits by root order and its implications to understanding belowground processes.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1506-1514 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | American journal of botany |
| Volume | 95 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2008 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Genetics
- Plant Science
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Root anatomy, morphology, and longevity among root orders in Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae). / Valenzuela-Estrada, Luis R.; Vera-Caraballo, Vivianette; Ruth, Leah E.; Eissenstat, David.
In: American journal of botany, Vol. 95, No. 12, 01.12.2008, p. 1506-1514.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Root anatomy, morphology, and longevity among root orders in Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae)
AU - Valenzuela-Estrada, Luis R.
AU - Vera-Caraballo, Vivianette
AU - Ruth, Leah E.
AU - Eissenstat, David
PY - 2008/12/1
Y1 - 2008/12/1
N2 - Understanding root processes at the whole-plant or ecosystem scales requires an accounting of the range of functions within a root system. Studying root traits based on their branching order can be a powerful approach to understanding this complex system. The current study examined the highly branched root system of the ericoid plant, Vaccinium corymbosum L. (highbush blueberry) by classifying its root orders with a modified version of the morphometric approach similar to that used in hydrology for stream classification. Root anatomy provided valuable insight into variation in root function across orders. The more permanent portion of the root system occurred in 4th- and higher-order roots. Roots in these orders had radial growth; the lowest specific root length, N:C ratios, and mycorrhizal colonization; the highest tissue density and vessel number; and the coarsest root diameter. The ephemeral portion of the root system was mainly in the first three root orders. First- and 2nd-order roots were nearly anatomically identical, with similar mycorrhizal colonization and diameter, and also, despite being extremely fine, median lifespans were not very short (115-120 d; estimated with minirhizotrons). Our research underscores the value of examining root traits by root order and its implications to understanding belowground processes.
AB - Understanding root processes at the whole-plant or ecosystem scales requires an accounting of the range of functions within a root system. Studying root traits based on their branching order can be a powerful approach to understanding this complex system. The current study examined the highly branched root system of the ericoid plant, Vaccinium corymbosum L. (highbush blueberry) by classifying its root orders with a modified version of the morphometric approach similar to that used in hydrology for stream classification. Root anatomy provided valuable insight into variation in root function across orders. The more permanent portion of the root system occurred in 4th- and higher-order roots. Roots in these orders had radial growth; the lowest specific root length, N:C ratios, and mycorrhizal colonization; the highest tissue density and vessel number; and the coarsest root diameter. The ephemeral portion of the root system was mainly in the first three root orders. First- and 2nd-order roots were nearly anatomically identical, with similar mycorrhizal colonization and diameter, and also, despite being extremely fine, median lifespans were not very short (115-120 d; estimated with minirhizotrons). Our research underscores the value of examining root traits by root order and its implications to understanding belowground processes.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=57349165846&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=57349165846&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3732/ajb.0800092
DO - 10.3732/ajb.0800092
M3 - Article
C2 - 21628158
AN - SCOPUS:57349165846
VL - 95
SP - 1506
EP - 1514
JO - American Journal of Botany
JF - American Journal of Botany
SN - 0002-9122
IS - 12
ER -