Lateral root production of witloof chicory (Cirhorium intybus L.) in response to ebb-and-flood nutrient supply in hydroponics
Date
2002
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Witloof chicory is currently grown on a large scale by making use of gravity-driven hydroponic
cascade systems. A possible drawback of this method may be that the taproot is only submerged in
the nutrient solution to a depth of about 30 mm. Lateral roots are believed to be responsible for
most nutrient and water absorption. It is com monly observed that most lateral roots emerge below
the water line. For this reason it was hypothesised that it could be beneficial to raise the
nutrient solution level, and by doing so, stimulate more root primordia to grow into fully
functional absorptive lateral roots. When chicory roots were wetted to a greater depth by using an
ebb and-flood technique, an increase in lateral roots forming along the axes of the taproot
resulted. Total lateral root production was quantified using a lateral root index. A significant
increase was confirmed for one of the two cul
tivars tested when the root axes were wetted to a depth of 100 mm.
Description
CITATION: Konig, R. & Combrink, N. J. J. 2002. Lateral root production of witloof chicory (Cirhorium intybus L.) in response to ebb-and-flood nutrient supply in hydroponics. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 19(3).
Keywords
Citation
Konig, R. & Combrink, N. J. J. 2002. Lateral root production of witloof chicory (Cirhorium intybus L.) in response to ebb-and-flood nutrient supply in hydroponics. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 19(3).