Abstract
A new, simple method for evaluating and quantifying the peripheral root and its architecture was developed and applied to tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings. This method consists of the use of a transparent tray cell and application of shade in roots, using an image analysis system. The objectives of this study were to :(1)develop an in-situ measurement technique using machine vision technology for the quantification of the peripheral root growth of seedlings using transparent tray cells ; (2) to develop a program to analyze the Peripheral Root Density and Distribution (PRDD) ; and (3) to study the characteristics of the seedling root system in an air-pruning tray cell. The specific PRDD value was calculated for the air-pruning tray cell and a non-air-pruning tray cell and five stages of the seedling. Analysis of the results showed that this method can be useful for evaluating peripheral root architecture in different designs of tray cell and can be used not only to analyze the effect of air-pruning but also to determine the efficient size and design of tray cells.
