2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Knowledge about root architecture and the rhizosphere in horticultural species is limited, and measurements of root systems and the rhizosphere are often overlooked in horticultural research. One of the main reasons for this is methodological. The study of root systems and rhizosphere dynamics has always been tedious, and the accuracy of measurements has been inconsistent. As a consequence, there are gaps in knowledge about root system adaptations to biotic and abiotic stress as well as the response of soil microbial communities to rhizosphere modifications in horticultural species. There is a need for more information about emerging methods for studying root systems and the rhizosphere as well as discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of these methods as applied in horticultural research. One of the goals of this workshop is it to provide an overview of available tools and approaches for studying root systems and the rhizosphere in horticultural species. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach as well as other methodological considerations will be discussed.