Root structure and function in an ecological context

D. Eissenstat

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Wahl & Ryser paper represents a valuable contribution to revealing ecological patterns associated with root structure. There is a need to identify simple metrics in roots, as has been done with specific leaf area in leaves, which can be used to understand broad patterns of physiological and ecological plant traits. As plant processes are generalized to ecosystem, landscape and regional scales, such simple metrics become increasingly valuable. Currently, the identification of useful metrics in roots, such as tissue density and vessel diameter, is only in its infancy. How well the relationships Wahl & Ryser found in grasses will apply to other plant families still needs to be explored. Given the vast literature on comparative studies in leaves, critical examinations of how root structure relates to leaf structure and the ecology of the plant is long overdue.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)353-354
Number of pages2
JournalNew Phytologist
Volume148
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physiology
  • Plant Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Root structure and function in an ecological context'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this