Mini-rhizotrons transparents pour l'étude du système racinaire de jeunes plantes. Application à la caractérisation du développement racinaire de jeunes chênes (Quercus robur)

A new type of root-observation box is described, which allows continuous observations on entire growing root systems of young plants. Each root-observation box consists of two transparent plastic plates separated by a few millimetres. On the internal face of each plate, a sheet of transparent filter paper is fixed, which allows absorption and distribution of water and nutrients to the root system. The root system can grow between these two plates, the roots growing on either one face or the other. Thus, the entire root system can be observed continuously. It is easy to manipulate it experimentally. The root-observation boxes are placed away from the light into a container. As an example, and to show the suitability of the method, we studied the development of the root system of young oak seedlings (Quercus robur L.). We compared their architectural characteristics with those described by different authors who have used other methods. The specific interests of this new method are emphasized. Key words: roo...