20 September 2000 Seeking root growth secrets by digital camera

Two plant science students at Lincoln University have received special funding to develop a digital camera for observing and measuring plant root systems.

The device, known as a mini-rhizotron, will initially be used to measure the root growth of grapevines, an area of research that is not well understood because of the difficulty in getting access to roots.

PhD candidates Adam Friend and Paul Petrie are among six students and five staff members who have shared an allocation of funds from Lincoln University's Fund for Excellence. The fund distributes money raised from alumni for promising research projects.

The development of a mini-rhizotron will allow them to measure root growth, mortality and longevity in the field, rather than in potted plants, to gain a better understanding of issues such as root die-back and carbon turnover.

Adam Friend says the observation of root growth has traditionally been carried out using a sheet of glass inserted into a trench in the ground.

"Now, with the mini-rhizotron we will be able to look below ground simply by lowering our modified camera down glass tubes inserted into the soil. Research into the growth of vines has focused on the leaves and fruit; with this device we should be able to develop a better understanding about how roots affect the overall vine growth."

The device will initially be trialled at a vineyard near the University, and it has the potential to be used to investigate root responses to vine training systems, crop load and fertiliser application.

Lincoln University has an active viticulture research programme, and the development of a tool that can ‘look’ at roots underground is expected to have immediate application to viticulture, agronomy and ecological research.

Lincoln's Fund for Excellence was the first of its kind established by a New Zealand university, and aims to promote excellence in teaching, research and student services using funds collected in an annual appeal to alumni, University Council members and friends of the University.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand