Abstract:

The parameters of root architecture, total root length, surface area, volume, tips, branching angle and fractal dimension etc, were analyzed in young seedlings of Malus hupehensis Rehd. under nitrogen-deficient or iron-deficient in a solution culture system. The results showed that the proportion of fine root increased significantly, the root diameter and the fractal dimension decreased significantly, the angle between main root and first lateral root enlarged, and root tends to horizontal distribution under nitrogen-deficient or iron-deficient condition. Under nitrogen-deficient condition, the total length, surface area and volume of root and the number of Second lateral roots increased significantly. Under iron-deficient condition, the number of root tip and the length of main root increased significantly, the activity and the number of root decreased significantly. The root fractal dimension in iron-deficient condition is less than that in nitrogen-deficient.

Key words: Malus hupehensis Rehd., root architecture, branching angle, fractal dimension