How roots find their way to water
Researchers found that plants' lateral roots know where to find water early on, guiding growth towards nutrient-rich areas. This flexible response enables plants to react to environments with fluctuating resources.
Root Growth
Articles tagged with Root Growth
UC Davis scientists provide novel strategies for parasitic weed control
Researchers at UC Davis have identified novel inhibitors that can disrupt redox signaling to prevent haustorium initiation in parasitic plants. This breakthrough could lead to new control methods against economically damaging agricultural pests.
Better anchor roots help crops grow in poor soils
Researchers at KAUST identified a key metabolite called anchorene that regulates plant anchor roots and promotes water and nutrient uptake. Increasing anchorene levels in deficient soil can rescue root growth in crops, increasing yields.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 30, 2019
Beyond 'shovelomics': Growing cassava in the air helps study the plant's mysterious roots
Scientists have developed an innovative method of growing cassava in the air using aeroponics, allowing for real-time observation of root development and identification of genes that regulate growth. This breakthrough could lead to increased yields, improved sustainability, and accelerated plant growth.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPlant Methods·DateDec 12, 2019
How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends
Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.
Recruitment of a lateral root developmental pathway into root nodule formation of legumes
Researchers discovered that legumes acquire the ability to form root nodules by recruiting a lateral root developmental pathway. The ASL18a gene plays a key role in this process, allowing for cooperative action with genes NF-Y and NIN to induce cell division and nodule formation.
Living bridges
Researchers studied traditional Khasi building techniques for living root bridges, which can reach over 50 meters in length and withstand centuries. The bridges' complex root structure provides stable and safe passage, while also serving as a natural cooling system for cities.
How roots grow hair
A team of researchers has identified a key regulator of root hair growth in plants, revealing a new mechanism for controlling this process. The discovery, made using 'smoke detectors' from fire-following seeds, shows promise for improving crop yields and drought resistance.
When plant roots learned to follow gravity
Researchers studied root gravitropism across diverse plant species, finding it emerged slowly in ancient plants and became more efficient in seed plants. Key components of the mechanism include starch-filled organelles acting as gravity sensors and auxin polarization facilitating growth regulation.
Putting the brakes on lateral root development
New research from Washington University in St. Louis identifies a critical regulator of lateral root production, showing how auxin and cytokinin hormones interact to control root growth. The study reveals that the transporter TOB1 can limit auxin's root-promoting capabilities, promoting a slow but steady approach to root development.
Using an embryonic pause to save the date
Date palms employ a method of remote germination, pausing their development until conditions are right. When soil temperature increases, the plant emerges with a fully developed leaf and root system.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 8, 2019
Foraging for nitrogen
Researchers from IPK discovered a role of brassinosteroid-type plant hormones in shaping root systems under low nitrogen conditions. They found that BSK3 signaling modulates the extent of root elongation and activates brassinosteroid signaling under mild nitrogen deficiency.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2019
Using population genetics, scientists confirm origins of root rot in Michigan ornamentals
A team of scientists used population genetics to analyze root rot pathogen populations in Michigan greenhouses and found similar populations regardless of plant type or location. The study confirms that infected plant material is likely moved within the state, leading to the development of fungicide-resistant populations.
Knowing how cells grow and divide can lead to more robust and productive plants
Scientists have identified a key enzyme that regulates cell size in plant roots, leading to more robust and productive plants. This discovery could lead to innovative techniques to improve root architecture, resulting in higher crop yields and improved resilience to environmental stresses.
SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2019
Getting to the root of plant simulations
A new root algorithm developed by Beth Drewniak improves the Energy Exascale Earth System Model's ability to simulate vegetation growth and respond to changes in resources. The dynamic root model addresses both water uptake and nitrogen allocation, enabling plants to thrive in varying environmental conditions.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateApr 11, 2019
Rusted root: Weedy rice repeatedly evolves 'cheater' root traits
Researchers found that weedy rice has evolved a root growth strategy that minimizes below-ground contact with other plants, allowing it to exploit the nutrient-sharing soil environment of rice fields. This 'cheater' root trait enables weedy rice to outcompete cultivated rice for essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous.
Machine learning for measuring roots
A team of researchers has developed MyRoot, an AI-powered software that uses machine learning to analyze root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. The software has been shown to reduce the time required for manual measurements by approximately half and provide more precise root length measurements.
Plant peptide helps roots to branch out in the right places
A Japanese research team identified a plant peptide that helps lateral roots grow with the right spacing. The TOLS2 gene was found to be expressed in lateral root founder cells and inhibits their formation, while the RLK7 receptor suppresses nearby cell growth.
An ancient relative of humans shows a surprisingly modern trait
A recent study found an ancient relative of humans, known as the Xujiayao juvenile, had dental development similar to that of people today. This suggests a slow life history like modern humans with prolonged childhood dependency.
Plant root hairs form outward due to shank hardening
Plant root hairs grow long by suppressing lateral cell expansion due to PI(3,5)P2 regulation. This allows for increased surface area absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. The discovery sheds light on plant cell morphogenesis and could lead to the development of more efficient nutrient-absorbing plants.
Local hormone production is root of issue for plant development
The study reveals that local auxin production in plant roots is crucial for maintaining healthy roots and preventing degeneration. Auxin production must be made locally, as transported auxin cannot compensate for its absence in certain tissues, such as the root meristem.
How plants harness microbes to get nutrients
A Rutgers-led team found that plants cultivate microbes to extract nutrients, a process called the rhizophagy cycle. This discovery could lead to enhanced crop growth, fewer weeds, and lower fertilizer use.
New mechanism for the plant hormone auxin discovered
Scientists have identified a new mechanism for the plant hormone auxin that enables rapid adaptation of root growth direction in response to gravity. This mechanism allows roots to quickly bend and grow deeper into the soil, where they can anchor themselves and find water and nutrients.
Plants can use underground communication to find out when neighbors are stressed
Plants use chemical signals in soil to adapt to stressed neighbors, altering root growth and leaf development. Researchers discovered that brief aboveground disturbances can impact underground communication, affecting plant growth.
CRAG and UB researchers find basic mechanisms for root growth and cell replenishment
Scientists at CRAG have found that plant cells know when to stop growing by detecting their size, allowing for coordinated division, elongation, and differentiation. This process is also linked to the effect of steroid hormones, such as brassinosteroids, on root growth.
SourceCentre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJan 29, 2018
Lab-made hormone may reveal secret lives of plants
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have developed a synthetic version of the plant hormone auxin and an engineered receptor to recognize it, enabling precise control over plant growth and development. This breakthrough system, called
Root discovery may lead to crops that need less fertilizer
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.
$900,000 NSF grant helps Wake Forest researchers look for the big picture in big data
The $900,000 NSF grant enables researchers to analyze large datasets describing gene responses to ethylene in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing patterns and relationships. This work has significant agricultural implications as root structure affects plant water and nutrient uptake.
Modified peptides could boost plant growth and development
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered modified peptides that can enhance plant growth and development. The study, published in Cell Chemical Biology, found that these peptides can regulate root development and increase productivity, leading to improved agricultural sustainability and food security.
Research finds roots use chemical 'photos' to coordinate growth
Researchers have discovered that young roots take chemical snapshots to detect obstructions and coordinate their paths, outsmarting seemingly random root patterns. This process relies on compounds similar to those used in traditional photography, improving understanding of plant immunity and potential crop yield boosts.
Secrets of Bonsai: Uncovering the mechanism of root regeneration
Researchers at Hokkaido University discover YUCCA9 plays primary role in plant root regeneration after cutting. This finding could lead to new methods for controlling plant growth in agriculture and horticulture.
Hormonal tug-of-war helps plant roots navigate their journey through the soil
A sophisticated mechanism allows plant roots to quickly respond to changes in soil conditions via the interactions of two antagonistic hormones, auxin and cytokinin. Cells sense relative changes in auxin levels to determine their location within the root and trigger a switch from cell division to elongation.
Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth
Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.
NUS study: Plants sacrifice 'daughters' to survive chilly weather
A NUS study found that plants selectively kill part of their roots to withstand cold weather conditions, allowing them to recover faster when temperatures rise. This discovery could lead to novel strategies to improve crop growth and yield under environmental stress.
A better dye job for roots -- in plants
A researcher at Salk Institute has discovered a fluorescent dye that reveals root growth is more influenced by auxin than thought, shedding light on the acidification theory and its role in plant growth. The study could inform faster-growing crop production or mitigate climate change effects.
Helping plants pump iron
A recent study at Salk Institute found that genetic variants of a single gene, FRO2, play a crucial role in determining a plant's ability to grow and stay healthy in environments with limited iron. The research has the potential to improve crop yields and increase dietary sources of iron for animals and humans.
Plants call 911 to help their neighbors
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants release airborne chemicals when injured, alerting neighboring plants to boost their defenses. The injured plant sends signals through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which stimulate nearby plants to grow more robust roots and increase malate transporter genes.
New peptide hormone aids waterproof barrier formation in plant roots
Researchers at Nagoya University identified two peptides, CIF1 and CIF2, that regulate Casparian strip assembly in response to developmental and environmental cues. The study found that these peptides are necessary for the formation and maintenance of the barrier, which helps maintain ion homeostasis and adapt to harsh soil conditions.
Woman hospitalized after developing complication of a New Year 'detox'
A middle-aged woman developed hyponatraemia, a potentially life-threatening condition, after consuming excessive fluids and herbal remedies during the New Year period. Doctors warn of the potential harm of these treatments and advocate for caution.
Aqua plantation for strawberries and RUDN student Margarita Romanets' gold medal for
Margarita Romanets' invention uses water-based cultivation to grow strong-rooted strawberry plants immune to diseases. The method allows for a good harvest over 4-5 years and is being tested at RUDN Agrarian-Technological Institute.
Getting to the root of it: Predicting root biomass with electrical capacitance
Researchers have developed a cheap and quick method to measure root biomass in soil-grown woody plants using electrical capacitance. This technique allows for rapid selection of individuals with optimal traits for breeding, enabling more efficient production of the important biofuel crop shrub willow.
Plant roots in the dark see light
Researchers found that plant roots can detect light through vascular bundles, activating photoreceptors and influencing root architecture. This discovery reveals a new sensory modality for roots, potentially enhancing plant performance in natural environments.
How plants make friends with fungi
Researchers identified MIG1 gene controlling root cortex development and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi symbiosis. This enables plants to extract nutrients from the ground, leading to improved growth and health.
How plants grow new lateral roots
Researchers used 3D live imaging to study the formation process of lateral roots in plants, clarifying part of the mechanism that creates new meristematic tissue. This discovery could potentially be used to control plant growth by artificially altering root system architecture.
Improving artichoke root development, transplant quality
A study found that fertilizing artichokes with low nitrogen levels improves root growth and reduces yield losses after transplantation. The researchers also discovered that fertigation systems can help minimize transplant shock in globe artichokes grown in semiarid regions.
Crop roots enact austerity measures during drought to bank water
Researchers discovered that grasses reduce crown root growth in response to drought, conserving water for future use. This adaptation allows crops to improve yields and preserve groundwater resources.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2016
Scientists discover oldest plant root stem cells
Researchers at Oxford University have identified the oldest known population of plant root stem cells, preserved in a 320 million-year-old fossil. These ancient stem cells provide unique insights into the evolution of roots and their role in shaping the Earth's climate.
Container design important for endangered plant nursery
A recent study at the University of Guam found that traditional hard plastic containers reduce root quality in endangered tree species. This limits plant growth and stability in tropical cyclone-prone areas.
Scientists discover C4 photosynthesis boosts growth by altering size and structure of plant leaves and roots
C4 plants grow 20-100% faster than C3 plants due to altered leaf and root structure, allowing for 50% more roots. This discovery could help researchers harness C4 photosynthesis to boost rice yields and improve food security.
Blueberry types identified for resistance, susceptibility to pathogen
Researchers have identified blueberry cultivars with genetic resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soilborne pathogen causing root rot. The most resistant cultivars include 'Aurora', 'Legacy', and 'Reka', while susceptible ones are 'Bluetta' and 'Bluecrop'.
How roots grow
Root shape is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition and the self-organization of cells. The development of secondary roots follows principles of non-deterministic growth and adaptation.
Plant pest reprograms the roots
Researchers discover nematodes produce plant hormone cytokinin to stimulate root cell growth and create a nurse cell system, essential for the parasite's survival. This discovery opens new avenues in plant breeding to develop resistance against cyst nematode pests.
Mutation protects plants against harmful explosive, TNT
Researchers identified a mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana plants that allows them to break down the toxic and persistent explosive TNT. The MDHAR6-mutant plants exhibit enhanced shoot and root biomass when grown in TNT-treated soil, rendering TNT less toxic.
Tree root research confirms that different morphologies produce similar results
Despite disparate root growth patterns, tree species with magnolioid and graminoid morphology exhibit comparable efficiency in acquiring soil nutrients. Trees use symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi to take up nutrients, with thin-root species relying on rapid root proliferation.
Fungi enhances crop roots and could be a future 'bio-fertilizer'
New research found that mycorrhizal fungus triggers additional root growth in rice crops, allowing them to absorb more nutrients. The fungus also enmeshes itself within plant cells, providing a direct mineral boost.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015
Hormones that guide root growth rates revealed
Researchers from Carnegie Institution for Science discovered that brassinosteroids and auxin hormones work antagonistically to regulate root cell elongation, affecting the rate of root growth. This finding could lead to engineering more-efficient crops with idealized root growth and water uptake.
Water content thresholds recommended for Gardenia jasminoides
A study by American Society for Horticultural Science researchers recommends specific water content thresholds for improved irrigation management in Gardenia jasminoides. The results show that applying water only when needed leads to efficient irrigation with minimal leaching, resulting in better plant growth and root establishment.
New non-destructive device measures root growth in smaller plants
A new non-destructive device called the mini-Horhizotron measures plant root growth in greenhouse production, allowing for effective study of treatment and substrate effects. The device provides valuable insight into root growth and development, enabling researchers to investigate factors influencing root growth in container production.
Unraveling controls for plant root growth
UC Davis researchers have identified a complex network of genetic controls governing plant root growth, which may help create varieties suited for biofuel production. The study reveals how environmental changes affect the system, with potential applications in improving plant breeding and biomass conversion.
Long-distance communication from leaves to roots
Cytokinins, produced in legume leaves, play a crucial role in regulating root nodule numbers by signaling from the roots to the leaves. This discovery sheds new light on the symbiotic balance between rhizobia and legumes.