Norwegian Journal of Agricultural Sciences : root growth of cucumber in wide NFT gullies

Abstract

The growth of cucumber roots was studied in wide NFT gullies. Root growth rate was measured in cm per day and in number of lateral roots per day. The average length of the part of the root without laterals was also calculated. The periods before and after root death were compared. Root growth was significantly reduced after root death, but a significant linear correlation found between growth rate before and after root death indicated that a fast-growing root mat may suffer less from root death than a more slowly growing mat. Also, significant differences between seasons were found. Anatomical studies showed that the cortex had disintegrated when root death occurred. Thereby root surface area was reduced to 30-40%. No early indications of root death could be seen. Roots were still very young, physiologically, when they were alfected by root death.