Abstract
Root-root interactions alter the architectural profiles of individual
root systems, therefore impact nutrient foraging . Past reports have
shown detrimental as well as beneficial effects to the yielding
abilities of crops as they avoid or prefer belowground competition .
With little research done into this nuanced system there is still much
to discover about the intricacies of root-root interactions and their
impact on root development. Quantifying architectural traits of root
system interactions would provide invaluable insight to root researchers
worldwide. We have begun to develop a mesocosm system to perform a
series of preliminary studies that utilizes 3D imaging to quantify
metrics of root-root interaction using common beans (Phaseolus
vulgaris ). Common beans have a relatively fast growing adventitious and
basal root system, making them a suitable organism for this study. Our
first mesocosms were fruitful but were not a suitable environment for
quality imaging. To fine tune our mesocosm we have improved the mesh
system to provide better root support, while utilizing light-weight,
low-visibility materials to allow our imaging systems better access to
the roots. Traits that we aim to extract include root growth angle,
rooting depth, and root volume relative to neighbors, because these
spatial qualities determine the soil areas that the root system will be
foraging in. Our data will allow for the quantification and association
of root plasticity in the presence of belowground competition.