Determination of root properties of saplings belong to two boxwood species (Buxus sempervirens and Buxus balearica) by image processing technique

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the root architectural characteristics of the one-year saplings of two species of boxwood (Buxus sempervirens L. and Buxus balearica Lam.), which are endangered and natural plants of Turkey, in the greenhouse environment using the WinRhizo root analysis program and scanner. Total root length (cm), root surface area (cm2), root volume (cm3), average root diameter (mm), number of tips, number of forks and number of root crossings were determined in the study. According to the results of the study, the increase in temperature and decrease in humidity values in the second year of both species were effective on the root architectural features. As a result of this effect, the second year root length (3810 cm), number of root tips (2299), number of forks (7007) and number of root crossings (696) increased, root diameter (1.4 mm), root surface area (2158 cm2) and root volume (8 cm3) decreased. As a result, it has been concluded that species can make changes in their root parameters to adapt to different conditions and their adaptability is high. In general, the best results in root architectural parameters were obtained from Buxus balearica on the basis of species.