Abstract
Varietal differences in root system morphology in tea-rooted cuttings were examined by using a cylindrical net (radius of 3 cm) in a nursery bed. To determine the spatial distribution of the root, 11 tea cultivars were grown for about 9 months. The depth of the root penetration site on the net from the horizonal, the primary root length out of the net, and the root's total fresh weight were measured. The horizontal distance of the root tip from the stem, the vertical root depth, the actual root length, and the spreading angle of the root system were calculated. A principal component analysis was used to identify the important characteristics of the tea root system morphology. The root system morphology was primarily determined by the spatial distribution of the root and the root amount as an index of the root number and weight, in which the cultivar varied significantly. Yamanoibuki, Okuhikari, Sayamakaori, and Meiryoku formed in a relatively large root system, but Kanayamidori, Ooiwase, and Saemidori formed in a small root system. Fushun showed the large root amount and the small spreading angle of the root system ; Okumidori showed a large spreading angle of the system.
