Growth and architecture of seedling roots of common bean genotypes

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food crop in the tropics, where its productivity is often limited by edaphic stress. Root growth and architecture may be associated with genetic adaptation to edaphic stresses. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of genotype, time, and root type on various root growth and architectural parameters in bean seedlings. Seeds of four bean genotypes representing distinct growth habits (effect determinate, erect indeterminate, prostrate indeterminate, and climbing) were grown in containers of Oxisol soil in Cali, Colombia. Plants were harvested at 3-d intervals and roots divided into basal roots, taproot, and taproot laterals