Life span and structure of ephemeral root modules of different functional groups from a desert system

© 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:The New phytologist. - 1990. - 211(2016), 1 vom: 09. Juli, Seite 103-12
1. Verfasser: Liu, Bo (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: He, Junxia, Zeng, Fanjiang, Lei, Jiaqiang, Arndt, Stefan K
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 2016
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:The New phytologist
Schlagworte:Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't anatomical traits ephemeral root module fine roots functional groups life span modified rhizotron nitrogen concentration respiration mehr... Nitrogen N762921K75
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:© 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.
The terminal branch orders of plant root systems have been proposed as short-lived 'ephemeral' modules specialized for resource absorption. The occurrence of ephemeral root modules has so far only been reported for a temperate tree species and it is unclear if the concept also applies to other woody (shrub, tree) and herb species. Fine roots of 12 perennial dicotyledonous herb, shrub and tree species were monitored for two growing seasons using a branch-order classification, sequential sampling and rhizotrons in the Taklamakan desert. Two root modules existed in all three plant functional groups. Among the first five branch orders, the first two (perennial herbs, shrubs) or three (trees) root orders were ephemeral and had a primary anatomical structure, high nitrogen (N) concentrations, high respiration rates and very short life spans of 1-4 months, whereas the last two branch orders in all functional groups were perennial, with thicker diameters, no or collapsed cortex, distinct secondary growth, low N concentrations, low respiration rates, but much longer life spans. Ephemeral, short-lived root modules and long-lived, persistent root modules seem to be a general feature across many plant functional groups and could represent a basic root system design
Beschreibung:Date Completed 30.01.2018
Date Revised 30.09.2020
published: Print-Electronic
Citation Status MEDLINE
ISSN:1469-8137
DOI:10.1111/nph.13880