Paper Roll Culture and Assessment of Maize Root Parameters

Abstract

Selection for genotypes with a vigorous root system could enhance the adaptation of maize under water and nutrient deficit soils. Although extensive genetic variation for root architecture has been reported (Kumar et al., 2012; Abdel-Ghani et al., 2014; Kumar et al., 2014; Pace et al., 2015), root traits have been seldom considered as selection criteria to improve yield in maize, mainly because characterization of root morphology in the field is laborious, inaccurate and time consuming (Tuberosa and Salvi, 2007). Characterization of root traits under hydroponic conditions in this case has the advantage of screening a high number of genotypes in a small space (in a growth chamber) within a short period of time (2-3 weeks). Thus, it saves the time and effort required for screening maize genotypes with vigorous root systems and might be helpful to monitor root development at different growth stages.