Analysis of influence of nutrient concentration on root growth dynamics by means of digital image sequence processing.

The influence of different nutrient concentrations (e.g. nitrate) on root growth dynamics of corn root was examined by digital image sequence analysis using a rhizotron set-up which enables quick changes in the composition of the root surrounding nutrient solution. Changes in the growth velocity of the root tip and the distribution of the relative elemental growth rates (REGR) along the growth zone before, during, and after increase of the nitrate concentration are obtained. Computer controlled moving stages were used to maintain the root tip in the imaging region during several hours.