Maize brace root mechanics vary by whorl, genotype and reproductive stage.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Root lodging is responsible for significant crop losses worldwide. During root lodging, roots fail by breaking, buckling or pulling out of the ground. In maize, above-ground roots, called brace roots, have been shown to reduce susceptibility to root lodging. However, the underlying structural-functional properties of brace roots that prevent root lodging are poorly defined. In this study, we quantified structural mechanical properties, geometry and bending moduli for brace roots from different whorls, genotypes and reproductive stages.

Methods

Using 3-point bend tests, we show that brace root mechanics are variable by whorl, genotype and reproductive stage.

Key results

Generally, we find that within each genotype and reproductive stage, the brace r

SUBMITTER: Hostetler AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9113123 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature