High-Throughput, Noninvasive Imaging of Root Systems

Root systems are complex structures key to plant health. The three-dimensional distribution of the root system, known as the root architecture, is important for optimal uptake of water and nutrients, as well as anchorage in the soil. Despite the importance of root systems, little is known about the genes that control root architecture, in part because of the difficulty of non-destructively viewing root systems. The Benfey lab has developed a gel-based imaging method to non-invasively examine root system architecture over time. Root systems of a variety of plant species can be quickly imaged daily or weekly. The platform is relatively inexpensive, high-throughput, and is ideally suited for researchers aiming to understand the genetic control of root architecture. Here we describe the application of this method to rice and maize root systems.