M. Sharifi, M. Hajabbasi, M. Kalbasi, M. Mobli,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2005)
Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has relatively weak root system and requires high nitrogen fertilizer which is costly and may pose environmental pollution. This study was conducted to compare root morphological characteristics and nitrogen uptake of some potato cultivars growing in Iran. A greenhouse experiment using a completely randomized design with 3 replications and 8 potato cultivars including: Arinda, Agria, Premiere, Diamant, Concord, Marfona, Marodana and Nevita was conducted at Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan. Virus-free seed tubers were planted and grown up to flowering stage. The plants were then harvested and their root length (RL), root average diameter (RAD) and root surface area (RSA) were determined using a Delta-T Scan image analysis system and Windias software. Root length density (RLD), root length and shoot weight ratio (R/S) were also calculated. Dry mater production and nitrogen accumulation (total nitrogen uptake) (PNA) were also determined. Soil inorganic nitrogen was measured before planting and after harvest. All measured parameters, except RAD, were significantly (p<0.05) affected by cultivar. Large differences observed between cultivars for all traits indicated genetic diversity among the studied potato cultivars. The highest and the lowest values of RL, RLD, RSA, R/S, RDW and PNA were found in Marfona and Nevita respectively. Based on cluster analysis, cultivars were divided into four different groups. Under the condition of this study, Marfona was superior whereas Arinda, Nevita, Marodana and Agria were inferior. Due to the high differences in root morphological characteristics and nitrogen uptake among potato cultivars, plant breeders may produce cultivars with larger root volumes and high nitrogen uptake.
M. Rezashateri, S. J. Khajeddin, S. H. Matinkhah, M. M. Majidi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (8-2017)
Abstract
This research investigated the effects of super absorbentpolymers on root characteristics of Avena fatua under two soil textures and three irrigation regimes. The study was arranged according to a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Hydrogel compositions included three types of super absorbents (Aquasorb, Boloorab A and Stockosorb) with two levels of 5 and 10 g/kg of soil, plus a control level. The studied traits were shoot height, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, ratio of root/shoot, root length, root perimeter and root volume of Avena fatua. ANOVA showed that the effect of soil texture was significant (p<0.01) for all studied traits. Mean comparison stated that 10g/kg of Aquasorb with 100% irrigation in sandy loam texture and 5g/kg of Stockosorb with 100% irrigation in loamy texture had the most significant and best results, compared with the control treatments. The results revealed that production of dense root network and root aggregation stimulated by super absorbent polymers, increased root contacts with moisture and led to significant increment in root traits like length, perimeter and volume by preparing water. In addition, selecting the type and concentration of super absorbent polymers depends on soil texture, considering the difference between the best results in two soil textures.
