THE ROOT SYSTEM OF LINARIA VULGARIS MILL. II: DIFFERENTIATION OF ROOT TYPES

The relationship has been investigated between stelar diameter, complexity, and the presence or absence of secondary growth in roots of Linaria vulgaris. Diameter and complexity of the primary xylem body were used as parameters. The presence of secondary growth is considered to be a character of roots developing as long roots. The long roots are responsible for the vegetative propagation of the plant. The frequency of occurrence of secondary growth tends to increase both with stelar diameter and complexity, but secondary growth can occur in roots of any size and complexity. Any root appears to be capable of developing as a long root but the larger roots have a greater chance of so doing. It is thought that roots which are developing as long roots inhibit other roots from such development; probably the larger root apices in any given plant are more capable of escaping from or exerting such inhibition.