Effect of manganese supply on development of wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots

Abstract

Wheat seedlings were grown in nutrient solution containing 1 µM Mn or nil Mn. Witholding Mn depressed root growth parameters including total root length, number of lateral roots, mean root length, mean extension rate, relative extension rate, and relative multiplication rate. Mn deficiency increased the number of lateral root primordia, many of which failed to emerge. Lignification of protoxylem vessels was impaired in Mn deficient plants. Withholding Mn affected lignification 3 to 5 days in advance of the appearance of symptoms of Mn deficiency in the shoot or depression in root and shoot dry matter production.