Temperature-induced alteration to root longevity in Lolium perenne

• Published in: Plant and soil 1997-03, Vol.190 (1), p.87-90
• Main Authors: Forbes, P.J. (Scottish Agricultural Coll., Aberdeen (United Kingdom). Dept. of Land Resources), Black, K.E, Hooker, J.E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Autoecology; Biochemistry and biology; Biological and medical sciences; Chemical, physicochemical, biochemical and biological properties; Forest ecosystems; Forest soils; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Generalities; High temperature; LOLIUM PERENNE; LONGEVIDAD; LONGEVITE; LONGEVITY; Mortality; Mycorrhizal fungi; Nitrogen; Physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biology of agricultural and forest soils; Plant roots; Plants; Plants and fungi; RACINE; RAICES; ROOTS; Soil ecology; Soil science; Synecology; TEMPERATURA; TEMPERATURE; Temperature effects; Terrestrial ecosystems
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1004298804353

The production and mortality of roots is an important factor detennining nutrient and carbon fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the effect of temperature on the longevity of roots is not understood. In this study the impact of changes in temperature on the longevity of Lolium perenne roots was determined. Plants were grown at 15°C, 21°C and 27°C and their roots observed using a minirhizotron system. Major effects of temperature were measured with large reductions in root longevity occurring at higher temperatures. The implications of these data are discussed.