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Comparative Root Morphology for Inbred Lines of Corn as Related to Performance 1
Author(s) -
Andrew R. H.,
Solanki S. S.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1966.00021962005800040016x
Subject(s) - biology , root system , pruning , dry weight , root (linguistics) , maturity (psychological) , horticulture , morphology (biology) , agronomy , zoology , botany , psychology , developmental psychology , linguistics , philosophy , genetics
Root volume, length, number, dry weight, seminal root volume and top‐root ratio of 14 inbreds grown in solution culture were correlated with growth after seminal root removal and with field performance at low competition and after root pruning. Inbreds differed significantly in their root character with number and volume positively associated, and number and length negatively associated. Rates of increase for root volume, length and number differed markedly, with rate of growth in length actually decreasing with maturity. Inbreds with higher top‐root ratios had small actual root systems. As development proceeded, those inbreds with a high proportion of seminal roots tended to have smaller total root systems. Top dry weight produced after seminal root removal was highly correlated with total root volume and number, indicating that those inbreds with larger root systems were better able to tolerate loss of their seminal roots. While loss of seminal roots reduced ultimate top dry weight, time of loss of these roots was of relative unimportance. Only limited statistical relationships were apparent for root volume, length and number with field performance, although the proportion of seminal roots was important. Those inbreds with vigorous seminal root systems early in development tended to show less reduction in height and ear weight and less delay in maturity due to root pruning in the field. Those with a high proportion of seminal roots later in development and with high top‐root ratios showed more damage due to root pruning and more delay in maturity.