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A method for studying spatial relationships between the root systems of two neighbouring plants

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Summary

A description is given of a method for the quantitative assessment of intermixing between the root systems of two neighbouring plants (A and B). This is based on the counting of the number of ‘nearest neighbour’ pairs of root segments in each of the four possible classes (AA, AB, BA, BB), each root segment being identifiable by means of previous C14 labelling of one of the two plants.

It was found that random mixing of the root systems was the rule under ordinary circumstances, while undermixing occurred when one of the two plants was given a foliar application of urea.

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Author notes

  1. M. Litav

    Present address: Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agr. Botany, Univ. College of North Wales, Bangor, N. Wales

    M. Litav & John L. Harper

Authors
  1. M. Litav
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  2. John L. Harper
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Litav, M., Harper, J.L. A method for studying spatial relationships between the root systems of two neighbouring plants. Plant Soil 26, 389–392 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01880190

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01880190

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