Development of a novel semi-hydroponic phenotyping system for studying root architecture
Ying L. Chen A D , Vanessa M. Dunbabin B , Art J. Diggle C , Kadambot H. M. Siddique D and Zed Rengel A D E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, School of Earth and Environment (M087), University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
B Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 54, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
C Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, Locked Bag 4, Bentley, WA 6983, Australia.
D University of Western Australia Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia (M082), 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: zed.rengel@uwa.edu.au
Functional Plant Biology 38(5) 355-363 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP10241
Submitted: 13 December 2010 Accepted: 20 March 2011 Published: 2 May 2011
Abstract
A semi-hydroponic bin system was developed to provide an efficient phenotyping platform for studying root architecture. The system was designed to accommodate a large number of plants in a small area for screening genotypes. It was constructed using inexpensive and easily obtained materials: 240 L plastic mobile bins, clear acrylic panels covered with black calico cloth and a controlled watering system. A screening experiment for root traits of 20 wild genotypes of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) evaluated the reliability and efficiency of the system. Root architecture, root elongation rate and branching patterns were monitored for 6 weeks. Significant differences in both architectural and morphological traits were observed among tested genotypes, particularly for total root length, branch number, specific root length and branch density. Results demonstrated that the bin system was efficient in screening root traits in narrow-leafed lupin, allowing for rapid measurement of two-dimensional root architecture over time with minimal disturbance to plant growth and without destructive root sampling. The system permits mapping and digital measurement of dynamic growth of taproot and lateral roots. This phenotyping platform is a desirable tool for examining root architecture of deep root systems and large sets of plants in a relatively small space.
Additional keywords: bin system, branching, Lupinus angustifolius, narrow-leafed lupin, root length, root morphology, root system architecture, root traits, RSA.
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