Comparison of Root Death in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in Sand Culture and Field Conditions

Abstract

In annual plant species, root death has been assumed to be closely correlated with shoot senescence. However, in a preliminary study with common bean grown in sand culture beyond physiological maturity (114 days), no root death occurred. We investigated whether the incidence of bean root death was higher under field conditions than in sand culture. Root death was defined as root disappearance. The sand culture consisted of silica sand and P-loaded alumina. Plants in this system were fertigated twice daily with complete nutrients supplied in adequate amounts. The field planting was on a Hagerstown silt loam in central Pennsylvania. Roots were observed using minirhizotrons every 1 to 3 weeks after planting. In sand culture, incidence of root death was monitored on a population of 170 roots from three plants between 25 and 88 days (shoot senescence) after planting Root death was 10%. In the field study, 55% of the 53 roots examined died between 32 and 93 days (shoot senescence) after planting. Biological factors present in the field and not present in sand culture appeared to contribute to root death. The persistence of roots in sand culture suggests a lack of programmed root senescence in contrast to shoot senescence. This has interesting implications for resource allocation during reproduction and in face of belowground herbivores and pathogens.