The response of Spartium junceum roots to slope: anchorage and gene factors.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Plant anchorage is governed by complex, finely regulated mechanisms that occur at a morphological, architectural and anatomical level. Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) is a woody plant frequently found on slopes--a condition that affects plant anchorage. This plant grows throughout the Mediterranean area where it plays an important role in preventing landslides. Spanish broom seedlings respond promptly to slope by altering stem and root morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms whereby the root system of Spanish broom seedlings adapts to ensure anchorage to the ground.

Methods

Seedlings were grown in tilted and untilted pots under controlled conditions. The root apparatus was removed at different times of growth and subjected to

SUBMITTER: Scippa GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2803426 | biostudies-literature | 2006 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature