New Method Measures Root Depth without Uprooting PlantsRevolutionary Technique Analyzes Leaves to Improve Crop Root Systems. Credit: newatlas.com

A cutting-edge method may simplify the process of selectively breeding crop plants with stronger root systems. This revolutionary, non-invasive technique involves analyzing a plant's leaves to determine the depth of its roots, providing insight into the plant's drought tolerance and nutrient absorption abilities.

Plants with deep roots have a distinct advantage over shallow-rooted plants during periods of dry weather. This is because their extensive root systems can access underground water sources that are inaccessible to shorter roots. Additionally, deep-rooted plants are better equipped to absorb essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, which are often found deep in the soil due to rain or irrigation.

Furthermore, deep-rooted plants help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the soil for longer periods of time. This is because carbon dioxide is absorbed by the leaves and transported down to the roots.

Given these benefits, crop scientists are constantly working to develop new varieties of crops with deeper roots. However, the traditional method of measuring root depth is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. It also hinders the ability to measure the same plant's roots multiple times, as it cannot be replanted after being uprooted for measurement.

Fortunately, a new technology called LEADER (Leaf Element Accumulation from DEep Root) has been developed by Professor Jonathan Lynch and his team at Pennsylvania State University. This innovative method utilizes the fact that different minerals and elements are found at varying depths in soil. As plants absorb these elements, they are transported to the leaves, providing an indirect measurement of root depth.

To use LEADER, researchers first need to determine the distribution of elements in the soil by taking and analyzing a soil core sample. Then, by analyzing the mineral composition of a plant's leaves, scientists can estimate the depth of its roots.

In a six-year study, Lynch's team grew 30 genetically distinct lines of corn at four locations across the United States. They used a handheld X-ray fluorescence device to analyze the leaves and found that LEADER was just as accurate as traditional root-measurement methods for plants with roots longer than 30 cm (1 foot).

To further improve the accuracy of this method, a tracer element like strontium can be added to the soil at a known depth before planting the crops. Once the tracer element is detected in the leaves, researchers will know that the roots have reached that depth.

The study focused on corn, but LEADER has the potential to be used on all types of plants. According to Lynch, this technology will greatly benefit crop breeders, as it will save time and resources by eliminating the need to dig up and measure thousands of plants.

The research was published in the journal Crop Science and could pave the way for developing deeper-rooted crops that are more resilient to environmental challenges. As Lynch puts it, Everyone wants deep-rooted crops – but until now, we didn't know how to get them.

Source: newatlas.com
Steven Russell
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