Plasticity expressed by root ground tissues of Rhizophora mangle L. (red mangrove) [Structural changes affected by light or darkness]

Roots of Rhizophora undergo striking changes in structure as they grow from the open air into the substrate. To test the hypothesis that darkness and oxygen deprivation are responsible for determining root form in the underground environment, above-ground roots were covered with plastic to limit gas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Rhodora 1983-01, Vol.85 (844), p.397-403
Main Authors: Ellmore, George S., Lee, Susan C., Nickerson, Norton H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerial roots
Biological and medical sciences
Cell walls
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gas flow
Ground tissue
Morphology, anatomy, histology, cytology
Oxygen
Parenchyma
Pith
Plant cytology, morphology, systematics, chorology and evolution
Plant roots
Rhizophora mangle
Root growth
Root tips
Spermatophyta
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Summary:Roots of Rhizophora undergo striking changes in structure as they grow from the open air into the substrate. To test the hypothesis that darkness and oxygen deprivation are responsible for determining root form in the underground environment, above-ground roots were covered with plastic to limit gas exchange, and with foil to block out light. After 9 months growth, roots growing in darkness with restricted gas flow became swollen and branched, as did underground roots. However, in artificially covered roots, axis swelling was due to pith enlargement rather than elaboration of cortex lacunae, as occurs in underground roots. Thus, root plasticity is expressed via a different mechanism when roots are in darkness and deprived of O2 than when they are underground. Other factors, alone or in combination, must govern development of underground Rhizophora roots.
ISSN:0035-4902
1938-3401