Plant Roots

Part 1 The root system - structure and development: characteristics and functions of root systems; genetic control of root systems; the root cap - structure and function; the root apical meristem and its margins. Part 2 Methods of root studies: modern methods for root investigations; aeroponics - a tool for root research; simulation of root system architecture; fractal geometry, scaling and the description of plant root architecture. Part 3 Growth and metabolism: synthesis of plant growth regulators by roots; root growth and gravireaction - a reexamination of hormone and regulator implications; calcium and gravitropism; respiratory patterns in roots in relation to their functioning. Part 4 Growth under stress: temperature effects on root growth; growth under oxygen stress; growth under trace element stress; root growth under salinity stress. Part 5 Ion and water relations: root structure and sites of ion uptake; ion uptake mechanisms; dynamics of nutrient movement at the soil-root interface; root-induced changes in the availability of micronutrients in the rhizosphere. Part 6 The rhizosphere: mycorrhizae; root-bacteria interactions - symbiotic nitrogen fixation; nonsymbiotic nitrogen-fixing soil microorganisms; plant growth promotion by rhizosphere bacteria. Part 7 Root pests: root-nematode interactions - recognition and pathogenicity; arthropod root pests; interactions of roots with soil-borne pathogens. Part 8 Roots of various ecological groups: ecophysiology of roots of desert plants, with special emphasis on agaves and cacti; ecophysiology of roots of halophytes; development and function of contractile roots; aerial roots and their environments.