Department of Plant Sciences

The efficient quantification of root traits remains a critical factor in exploiting many genetic resources during the study of root function and development. This is particularly true during the phenotyping of large populations under abiotic stress conditions, including aluminum (Al) toxicity where root growth is quantified in the presence and absence of Al, and phosphorous (P) deficiency, where root architectural responses and differences are often examined. Our present study highlights two root imaging and quantification systems that are being developed and used in our laboratory. We have focused on designing flexible growth, imaging and software tools that enable a multitude of 2D and 3D root system characteristics to be investigated.