Relation of Increased Water Content and Decreased Aeration to Root Development in Hydrophytes

Authors

J. E. Weaver, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
W. J. Himmel

Date of this Version

1-1930

Comments

Published in Plant Physiology, Vol. 5, No. 1 (Jan., 1930), pp. 69-92. Copyright 1930 American Society of Plant Biologists. Used by permission.

Abstract

The dependence of root development of most plants upon aeration is clearly shown by water-logging the soil. In a few days, the usual cultivated plants turn yellow, show wilting, and may ultimately die. If the water is kept well aerated, plants may survive though submerged for weeks. Exclusion of oxygen from the roots of most plants interferes with the respiration of the protoplasm of their cells. This results in the death of the cells and consequently the roots fail to function as absorbers for the plant (22).