Test of the reliability of acrylic plastic windows for studies of kiwifruit roots

Abstract

A recent study has indicated a very short life expectancy for feeder roots of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) growing against acrylic plastic windows in a rhizotron. Here we report a direct test of whether root growth at these plastic-soil interfaces is typical of that in bulk soil. Soil cores were taken behind rhizotron windows of two mature kiwifruit vines, the roots separated and measured. There was no indication that the soil-plastic interface affected feeder root growth. However, the roots produced at or close to the interface did appear to remain white for longer than those in the bulk soil. It seems probable then that previous reports of short life expectancy of kiwifruit feeder roots are reliable.

Keywords:

• Actinidia deliciosa
• kiwifruit
• roots
• root demography
• rhizotron