Root architecture of eight Gramineae plant species in the Benggang area of Changting County

Authors Li Sishi; Si Xiaojing; Jiang Fangshi; Lin Jinshi; Cai Xuezhi; Wu Yu; Huang Yanhe

Journal Acta Prataculturae Sinica , 2018,10:27

Abstract In order to explore the root architecture of herbaceous plants in the Benggang area,eight Gramineae species were studied (Imperata cylindrica,Eulalia speciosa,Miscanthus floridulus,Eriachne pallescens, Cynodon dactylon,Paspalum wettsteinii,Pennisetum sp.and Vetiveria zizanioides).Six root architecture parameters were analyzed and comprehensively evaluated using principal component analysis.The results showed that the average diameter of the tested herbaceous roots was between 0.36and 0.63mm.There were no significant differences in the total root length of E.speciosa,M.floridulus,E.pallescens,P.wettsteinii and V.zizanioides.The total root surface area,total root volume,root tip numbers and crossing numbers varied by plant species.The total root surface area of Pennisetumsp.was the largest and that of I.cylindricathe smallest.The root tips and crossing numbers of Pennisetumsp.were also the largest.Average diameter,total root surface area and total root volume were the main factors influencing root architecture.The composite score order of the eight speciesroots was Pennisetumsp.>P.wettsteinii>E.speciosa>M.floridulus>V.zizanioides>E.pallescens>C.dactylon>I.cylindrica.These results help to provide a scientific basis for the screening,allocating and popularizing of herbaceous plants for the control of erosion.

Species covered 狗牙根 Cynodon dactylon 五节芒 Miscanthus floridulus