Preliminary Observation on the Superficial Roots in Barley, Wheat and Rice

[摘要] WEAVER, J. E. pointed out in his textbook that, "root of cultivated plants, contrary to current opinion, are not superficial but deeply seated……The old idea of roots being superficial is so commonly believed that many current textbook still speak of them as shallow." The majority of the roots of cereal crops, indeed penetrate deeper and others spread obliquely downward ; but barley roots, as he also stated in his book, often occur nearer that surface than those of oats or wheat; and if we refer to the Fig. 82, Manchuria barley of 20 days old ; though there are no descriptions about it ; yet we must perceive that, our seminal roots among the six have spread almost horizontally. Result of the observation carried out by the authors are as follows; 1 Barley plant In the observation in barley plant at the second leaf stage, two or three seminal roots out of five have penetrated almost as shallow as a depth of 2 cm., in which the seeds had been planted (Fig. 1); while wheat roots have penetrated somewhat deeper than those of barley. In the barley of fourth leaf stage, when one tiller had developed on most of the plants, three to five crown roots has spread near the surface of soil, but slightly deeper than the seminal roots. 2. Rice seedling In the rice seedling sown in nursery bed, at the fourth leaf stage, superficial roots has become in sight here and there on the soil surface. At the end of nursery period, a great number of superficial roots has spread over the surface of soil (Fig. 2). 3. Transplanted rice plant Seedling of seventh leaf stage has been transplanted in the field with a depth of 5 cm., and made hill up the earth around the stools at the 11th leaf stage, and the 13th leaf stage with a height of 3.3 cm., respectively; then about five to seven day after, several superficial roots has emerged from the soil as shown in Fig. 3. It should be noticed that the greater part of the roots in rice plants to be sure penetrate downward, but within the limits of these observations; contrary to current opinion, a part of them spread obliquely upward.

[学科分类] 农业科学（综合）