Root System Structure and Function: A Themed Issue in Honor of Professor Yoav Waisel

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Dr. Yoav Waisel (1931–2010), a world leader in root research. He was well known for the series of text books “Plant Roots: The Hidden Half” a phrase he coined, and which became a popular expression among root scientists. He was active in the International Society for Root Research from its early days, and a leader in a COST Action on Woody Root Processes. One of his main achievements was the establishment of The Sarah Racine Root Research Laboratory at Tel-Aviv University, which is the world’s largest aeroponics facility.

This Special Issue emphasizes the definitive connection between the structure and function of plant root systems. Root systems encounter soil media that vary to a great extent, both spatially and temporally. Spatial variability manifests in the non-uniform soil structure of the soil profile and the distribution of stones, cracks, wormholes, and organic residues. Even more dynamic is the variance in soil composition, especially its water content that, in turn, affects solute concentrations and their division between soluble and solid phases. Such non-uniformities occur not only in the natural soil, but also in plant pots filled originally with uniform media. The activity of the roots is responsible for creating further changes in soil structure and composition. Other variable components of the rooting media are distribution and the activities of soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. These are, in turn, affected by root presence and activities such as mucilage secretion and ion and water uptake.

The adaptation of a root system to such variable conditions is expressed through the distribution of its components in the rooting medium. The resulting root system structure is the outcome of two main processes: The elongation and branching of its various components. Other processes, such as secondary thickening and sloughing-off of fine roots, also take part in shaping the structure of the root system. The rates and allocation of these processes result from the interaction between the plant genomic characteristics and the environmental cues. Important features of root structure, which have a major role in determining their function, are the microscopic characteristics of the root surface and its physiological activities.

Manuscripts addressing the genomic basis of key developmental processes that underlie all aspects of formation of the root system structure that affect its function are invited to this Special Issue. Articles related to crop and forestry plants, as well as model plant species, are welcome. This Special Issue will also include technical papers concerning measurement and quantitative description of the complex structure of plant root systems. 

Prof. Dr. Amram Eshel
Guest Editor

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