.png){kind=logo}
Special Report
Comparison of Water Displacement and WinRHIZO Software for Plant Root Parameter Assessment
AffiliationsAuthors and Affiliations
- W. Pang
- W. T. Crow
- J. E. Luc
- R. McSorley
- R. M. Giblin-Davis , Entomology and Nematology Department
- K. E. Kenworthy , Agronomy Department
- J. K. Kruse , Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
Published Online:9 Sep 2011https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-01-11-0026
Abstract
Water-displacement and WinRHIZO root-scanning methods were compared for efficacy of root damage assessment. Results from both methods were similar and a highly significant relationship was found between the two methods in trial one (r2 = 0.9968, P < 0.0001) and trial two (r2 = 0.9988, P < 0.0001). Both protocols provide consistent root volume measurements; however, water displacement is preferred as an economical method if a quick evaluation of a large amount of roots is essential. For a more detailed root morphological and architectural analysis, WinRHIZO root scanning provides additional information about several root parameters that cannot be measured by simple water displacement.
