Archive Article: 2002/07/05

5 July 2002

Rooting for success… Time-lapse digital photography in a shallow trench is giving SAC researcher Ian Bingham a good idea of how spring barley roots respond to different growth regulators. The aim is to see whether root systems can be managed to improve crops drought tolerance and how breeding might help. Lab screening suggests Route has more effect than Moddus. Results from this years HGCA-funded field test have emphasised how many fine roots can grow and then decay, highlighting the need for more work on its implications for nutrient recycling, says Dr Bingham.