The Effect of Nutrient Solution Composition on the Length of Root Hairs of Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)

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Abstract
The length of root hairs of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing in Long Ashton nitrate nutrient solution was affected mainly by pH and the concentrations of calcium and nitrate. Root hair length was decreased by high pH (> 7.0) and by low calcium concentrations but was increased by nitrate. Buffering at pH 6.5 was found to affect the relationship between nutrient solution strength and the length of root hairs. The interactions between calcium, nitrate and buffering were determined. Phosphate concentration did not affect the length of root hairs of wheat, although low concentrations have been reported to stimulate root hair growth in other plants. The mechanisms by which pH, calcium and nitrate may affect root hair length are discussed.