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Allocation of assimilated carbon amongst plant metabolic processes and tissues is important to understanding ecosystem carbon cycles. Due to the range of spatio-temporal scales and complex process interactions involved, direct measurements of allocation in natural environments are logistically difficult. Modeling approaches provide tools to examine these patterns by integrating finer scale process measurements. One such method is root:shoot balance, where plant growth is limited by either shoot activity (i.e. photosynthesis) or root activity (i.e. water and nutrient uptake). This method shows promise for application on frequently disturbed systems which perturb aboveground biomass and thus create imbalances in root and shoot activities. In this study, root:shoot balance, allometric relationships and phenological patterns were used to model carbon allocation and growth in Florida scrub oaks. The model was tested using ecosystem gas exchange (i.e. eddy covariance) and meteorological data from two independent sites at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL which experienced two different types of disturbance events: a prescribed burn in 2006 and wind damage from Hurricane Frances in 2004. The effects of the two disturbance events, which differed greatly in magnitude and impact, were compared to identify similarities and differences in plant allocation response. Model results and process-based sensitivity analysis demonstrated the strong influence of autotrophic respiration on plant growth and allocation processes. Also, fine root dynamics were found to dominate partitioning trends of carbon allocated to growth. Overall, model results aligned well with observed biomass trends, with some discrepancies that suggest fine root turnover to be more dynamic than currently iv parameterized in the model. This modeling approach can be extended through the integration with more robust process models, for example, mechanistic photosynthesis, nitrogen uptake and/or dynamic root turnover models.

A root study was undertaken to learn about bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC) and cliffrose (Cowania stansburiana torr.) to gain some clues, perhaps, as to the causes of their present distribution. In a period extending from July 1959 to July 1960, twenty-four plants were excavated on six different sites in the Wasatch foothill belt in Utah County, Utah. Root and some soil characteristics were analyzed, described and compared.

The study was initiated to determine the effects of RGP and three levels on weed control: no weed control (control), herbaceous weed control (Oust), and woody and herbaceous weed control (Oust-Garlon) on three pine seedlots: pitch x loblolly pine hybrid (pxL-F2), Virginia Department of Forestry loblolly pine (VDF-Iob), and westvaco loblolly pine (WCO-Iob). Lateral roots had the greatest response to the Oust treatment compared to all other seedling parts. All seedlot and treatment interactions were associated with lateral roots. After one growing season the Oust treatment resulted in a 148% increase in lateral root biomass compared to the control treatment. Shoot biomass in the Oust treatment increased by 70% compared to the control. The ability to respond to weed control was related to RGP. Compared the loblolly pine seedlots the PxL-F2 had both significant higher RGP at planting and biomass accumulation in response to the Oust treatment. Compared to the loblolly pine seedlots the PxL-F2 lateral root biomass and total tree biomass increased by 44% and 30%, respectively. The addition of woody weed control to herbaceous weed control in the Oust-Garlon treatment did not result in significant increasings in loblolly pine seedling biomass compared to herbaceous weed control. Because of a to sensitivity to Garlon 4™ the (PxL-F2) had 22% reduction in total tree biomass in the Oust-Garlon treatment compared to the Oust treatment. Therefore, the control of woody weeds in pitch x loblolly pine plantations will need to be accomplished using another herbicide. / Master of Science

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Characterizing the genetic structure of a pest population can provide an understanding of the factors influencing its evolution and assist in its ultimate control. The aim of the present study was to characterize the genetic structure of woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) populations in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Since this economically important apple pest has not previously been characterized at molecular level, it was necessary to evaluate methods for determining the genetic structure of E. lanigerum populations. Two different molecular techniques were evaluated viz. random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). This study represents the first application of the latter technique to members of the Aphididae. Aphids were sampled from four regions in the Western Cape in South Africa viz. Elgin, Ceres, Vyeboom and Villiersdorp. A spatially nested sampling design was used to establish the distribution of the genetic variance of aphids. A total of 192 individuals from 13 farms were analysed. Ten RAPD primers were chosen for analysis from an initial assay of 25 after fragment reproducibility had been confirmed. For AFLP analysis three different rare-cutting restriction enzymes were evaluated for AFLP analysis, viz. EcoRI, SseI and MluI. The latter yielded the best results in combination with the frequent-cutting enzyme MseI. Twenty-five AFLP selective primer pairs were evaluated, out of which five were chosen for analysis of the total population. Two hundred and fifty AFLP fragments and 47 RAPD fragments were scored for analysis. Both analyses indicated that a low level of genetic variation was apparent in E. lanigerum populations and that no differentiation resulted from geographic isolation. From RAPD analyses it was deduced that all variation could be attributed to differences between individuals. AFLP analysis indicated that, whereas genetic differences in E. lanigerum populations between orchards were negligible, a significant portion of genetic variation could be attributed to differences between farms and individuals within farms. Therefore, AFLP analysis allowed for finer discrimination of the genetic structure of E. lanigerum populations than RAPD analysis and is recommended for studies of other aphid species. The fact that most of the genetic variation present in E. lanigerum populations could be found on small spatial scales indicated that sampling individuals over a wide geographic area was an ineffective way of detecting the genetic diversity present in E. lanigerum populations. The low level of variation in populations is most likely due to the exclusive occurrence of parthenogenetic reproduction, founder effects (including distribution of infested plant material from a limited source) and selective factors such as the use of resistant rootstocks or pesticides. Furthermore, the low level of variation found indicated that the possibility of controlling E. lanigerum in the Western Cape using host plant resistance is favourable. Thus, plant breeders developing resistance to E. lanigerum can expect plant entries to be exposed to most of the genetic diversity present in Western Cape populations, regardless of location. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die bepaling van die genetiese struktuur van 'n landboukundige plaagpopulasie kan lei tot begrip van die faktore wat die populasie beïnvloed en kan uiteindelike beheer vergemaklik. Die doel van die huidige studie was om die genetiese struktuur van die appelbloedluis Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie van Suid-Afrika te bepaal. Aangesien hierdie belangrike appelplaag nie van tevore op molekulêre vlak bestudeer is nie, was dit nodig om metodes vir die bepaling van die genetiese struktuur van E. lanigerum populasies te evalueer. Twee molekulêre tegnieke is geëvalueer, nl. lukraak geamplifiseerde polimorfiese ONS (RAPD) en geamplifiseerde fragment-lengte polimorfismes (AFLP). Hierdie studie is die eerste om laasgenoemde tegniek te gebruik om lede van die Aphididae te bestudeer. Plantluise is verkry van vier verskillende gebiede in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie van Suid-Afrika nl. Elgin, Ceres, Vyeboom en Villiersdorp. 'n Hierargiese sisteem is gebruik om die verspreiding van die genetiese variasie van plantluise te bepaal. In totaal is 192 individue van 13 plase geanaliseer. Tien RAPD inleiers is gekies uit 'n analise van 25 verskillende inleiers nadat fragment reproduseerbaarheid bevestig is. Drie verskillende restriksie ensieme is geëvalueer vir AFLP analise nl. EcoRI, SseI en Mlul. Die beste resultate is verkry toe MluI saam met MseI gebruik is. Vyf-en-twintig AFLP selektiewe inleier pare is geëvalueer waarvan vyf gekies is vir analise van die totale populasie. Twee-honderd-en-vyftig AFLP fragmente en 47 RAPD fragmente is gedokumenteer vir analise. Beide RAPD en AFLP analises het getoon dat daar 'n lae vlak van genetiese variasie in E. lanigerum populasies is en dat geen differensiasie as gevolg van geografiese isolasie ontstaan het nie. Uit RAPD analise is daar afgelei dat al die variasie toegeskryf kon word aan verskille tussen individue. AFLP het aangetoon dat alhoewel verskille in E. lanigerum populasies tussen boorde laag was, kon 'n hoë persentasie van die variasie toegeskryf word aan verskille tussen plase en individue binne plase. AFLP analise het meer insig in die genetiese struktuur van E. lanigerum populasies verskaf, en word dus aanbeveel vir studies van ander plantluise. Omdat meeste van die genetiese variasie oor klein geografiese afstande verkry word, is steekproefueming oor groot gebiede 'n ondoeltreffende manier om die genetiese variasie binne 'n monster te meet. Die lae vlak van genetiese variasie is waarskynlik te wyte aan partenogenetiese vermeerdering, stigter gevolge (insluitend verspreiding van geïnfesteerde plantmateriaal vanaf 'n beperkte bron), sowel as selektiewe faktore soos die gebruik van bestande onderstokke en insekdoders. Verder dui die lae vlak van variasie aan dat die moontlikheid vir beheer deur gasheerplantbestandheid goed is in die Wes-Kaap. Planttelers kan verseker wees dat hulle plante blootgestel sal wees aan meeste van die genetiese variasie in die Wes-Kaap appelbloedluis populasies ongeag hulle ligging.

Orientador: Sérgio Hugo Benez / Banca: Maria Helena Moraes / Banca: Joaquim Odilon Pereira / Resumo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular de amaranto (Amaranthus cruentus, variedade BRS Alegria), de milheto (Pennisetum glaucum (L.), variedade BN-2) e de pé de galinha (Eleusine coracana L.) em função de quatro níveis de compactação, caracterizados pelas densidades de 1,21; 1,31; 1,41 e 1,51 Mg.m-3 em duas classes de solo, classificados como Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico e Nitossolo Vermelho Distroférrico. O experimento foi conduzido no campo da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP, Campus de Botucatu/SP, durante os meses de Novembro de 2002 à Fevereiro de 2003, em um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições em arranjo fatorial de 2 x 3 x 4. Os vasos foram montados com quatro anéis de PVC sobrepostos, com diâmetro interno de 19,5 cm, totalizando 40 cm de altura. Estes comportaram um volume de 12,56 litros de solo, sendo que somente um anel foi compactado, correspondendo à profundidade de 10 a 20 cm. Os vasos, assim montados, foram enterrados a 40 cm de profundidade, encerrando-se o experimento na fase da inflorescência de cada cultura. A seguir, determinou-se o comprimento radicular, volume radicular, diâmetro radicular, massa seca radicular, bem como a massa seca e altura das partes aéreas das plantas. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância com teste de Tukey a 5 % de probabilidade para comparar as médias. Os resultados mostraram que o pé de galinha apresentou, em relação ao amaranto e ao milheto, o sistema radicular com maior comprimento, volume e massa seca, penetrando nas camadas compactadas dos solos até a densidade 1,41 Mg.m-3, aumentando, desta forma, a aeração dos solos e incorporando a matéria orgânica em profundidade; o milheto proporcionou maior quantidade de massa seca na parte aérea em ambos os solos, mostrando... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This paper aimed to study the development of root system of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus, BRS Alegria variety), milhet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) BN-2 variety) and "pé de galinha" (Eleusine coracana L.) according to four density levels of soil compaction, characterized by 1,21; 1,31; 1,41 and 1,51 Mg.m-3 densities within two soil types, classified as Distrofic Red Latosoil and Distroferic Red Nitosoil. The experiment was carried out at Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP - Botucatu/SP, from November 2002 to February 2003, in a randomized block experimental design with four repetitions and 2 x 3 x 4 factorial desing. The pots were assembled with four rings of overlayed PVC tubes, 19,5 cm of inner diameter, summing up 40 cm high, containing 12,56 liters of soil, with only ring compacted at 10 to 20 cm depth. Tubes were assembled and buried at 40 cm depth. The experiment was finished at influorescence phase of each culture. Measurement of root length, root volume, root diameter, root dry matter were measured as well as dry matter and lenght of aerial part of plants. Obtained data were submitted to variance analysis under Tukey's test with 5 % of probability for mean comparison. Results showed that the "pé de galinha" showed, regarding to amaranth and milhet, root system with longer length, volume and dry matter working in compacted soil layer up to 1,41 Mg.m-3 density increasing soil aeration and incorporating organic matter; milhet showed the highest aumont of dry matter at aerial part in both soils showing to have good characteristic for soil covering, compared to amaranth and "pé de galinha"; amaranth was sensitive to soil compaction in all the studied densities and variables compared to milhet and "pé de galinha"; and the Distrophic Red Latosoil showed best easy terms to plants development, to present a lower resistance to root penetration compared to Distropheric Red Nitosoil. / Mestre

I evaluated the effectiveness of plant roots to increase infiltration rates within stormwater bioretention facilities (SBFs), roadside planter compartments that filter stormwater. SBFs attenuate harmful effects of stormwater by reducing peak flow and retaining pollutants, with increased infiltration that improves both these functions. Researchers have shown that roots can increase infiltration within greenhouse, lab, field, and test SBF settings. However, no researchers have yet measured either the extent to which different root characteristics can increase infiltration or the variation in root characteristics and their effect on infiltration rates among plant assemblages within currently functioning SBFs. To determine if root-enhanced infiltration was occurring within SBFs, I hypothesized 1) there is a relationship between root characteristics and infiltration during late spring, and 2) seasonal root growth increases infiltration rates. Within Portland, OR, I measured infiltration rate from January 2014 to February 2015 and root characteristics from January-February (J-F) and May-June (M-J) 2014 in ten SBFs with "Elk Blue" rush (Juncus patens) and 1 or 2 trees of less than 8.4 cm stem diameter. During M-J, four root characteristics showed a positive relationship with infiltration rate, and two root characteristics showed a strong positive relationship with infiltration rate within the topsoil. Also, a relationship was shown between the increase (J-F to M-J 2014) in three root characteristics and the increase in infiltration rate. To determine if root morphology and infiltration rates differed among SBFs with two different dominant vegetation taxa (small and large root biomass), I hypothesized 3) Juncus patens and tree dominant assemblage (greater root biomass) exhibits greater infiltration compared to the Carex dominant assemblage, 4) the increase in infiltration rate and root characteristics from J-F to M-J is greater in the Juncus compared to the Carex assemblage, and 5) root surface area density (RSAD) within Juncus SBFs shows a positive relationship with infiltration rate in late spring. I measured infiltration rate from January 2014 to February 2015 and root characteristics from January-February (J-F) and May-June (M-J) 2014 among five large-root (Juncus and tree) and five small-root biomass (Carex sp) SBFs. Juncus SBFs showed greater values for three root characteristics during J-F and five root characteristics during M-J 2014 compared to Carex SBFs. Also, Juncus SBFs showed an increase from J-F to M-J 2014 for five root characteristics while Carex SBFs showed no root increase. Juncus SBFs showed a relationship with four root characteristics and Carex SBFs a showed relationship with one root characteristic and infiltration rate. This work strongly suggests plant roots increase infiltration, and thus the primary functions of SBFs. Different root characteristics appear to increase infiltration rate at different depths. Data also show larger-root biomass plants increase infiltration rate to a greater degree than smaller-root biomass plants. I recommend considering several site and facility characteristics when determining the potential for root-enhanced infiltration. When selecting plant species to enhance infiltration, I recommend using several criteria, determining root characteristic values at certain depths, considering installation approaches, and accounting for regional climate changes.

In Australia a class of soils known as sodic duplex soils covers approximately 20% of the continent. Their defining characteristic is a sharp texture contrast between the A (or E) and B horizon. The upper B horizon at the point of contact with the E horizon is often highly sodic and of such a high strength that root growth and proliferation, water conductivity, aeration, water storage and water uptake are restricted. Roots growing in these soils rely on channels created by previous roots or cracks arising from shrink– swell forces associated with seasonal wetting and drying. It has been suggested that by increasing the number of these channels in the subsoil, the structure and permeability of the subsoil would be increased as would be the number of preferential pathways for following generation roots. A biological approach for improving soil macroporosity would be to use plants that can grow through that hostile layer creating new channels. This is known as the primer plant concept. This concept is based on a better understanding of root soil interactions. It is accepted that root growth is influenced by the soil structure and the soil structure is influenced by root growth. However, a lot of these dynamics are still unknown. This project aims to contribute to improving that knowledge by investigating the use of modern techniques to study plant/root interactions in duplex soils. First macroporosity and mesoporosity were characterized in three dimensions using medical computer tomography and micro-tomography. Then the imaging methodology was improved by using a local and adaptive threshold technique based on indicator kriging instead of a global threshold. Using this new methodology, changes in porosity were analysed in intact samples when three different plant species were grown for 12 weeks. The plants were canola (Brassica napus); lucerne (Medicago sativum) and saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) hypothesizing saltbush would change the porosity more because it is a native plant species based on the primer plant concept. The results showed that the porosity changed significantly after root growth but no ii differences were found between plant species. The changes could also not all be attributed to root growth because cracks were also formed after 12 weeks. Therefore, the living roots were visualized and characterized using a new tracing algorithm 'rootviz'. This revealed that saltbush was growing more roots down through the profile. Lucerne seemed to grow roots down the profile as well but to a lesser extend. Both of these plants seemed to have more geotropic features than canola that seemed to grow more laterals and had a more exploratory behaviour.

Bibliography: leaves 172-197.