How Many Types of Roots are There

Introduction

Bascally, there are three types of roots having different functions that are adventitious roots, fibrous roots , proproots and taproots. The roots are a plant's modified organs that serve as an anchor for the plant and absorb water and nutrients into the body of the plant, enabling plants to grow higher and more quickly. The majority of the time, roots are found below the soil's surface, but they can also be aerial or aerating, which means that they can grow up above the ground or, more specifically, above water. Water absorption, plant nutrition, and securing the plant body to the ground are the three main purposes of roots.

There are three primary types of roots: adventitious roots, which form on any plant element other than the roots, and fibrous roots, which all have roots that are roughly the same size. Taproots have the main taproot that is larger and grows quicker than branch roots.

Basic Anatomy of a Root system

The four zones that makeup root morphology are the root cap, apical meristem, elongation zone, and hair. New roots' root caps aid in the root's soil penetration. As the root grows deeper, these root caps are shed, leaving a sticky surface that acts as a lubricant. The root cap's apical meristem generates new, elongating root cells. The earth then provides water and mineral nutrients to the developing root hairs. The radicle, which emerges from the plant embryo following seed germination, is the initial root in plants that produce seeds.

Adventitious Root system

Tissues other than roots known as adventitious roots (AR) form post-embryonically in response to diverse environmental signals. Crosstalk between hormones is important in this process. Many plant species develop aerial roots (ARs) as part of regular growth to carry out specialised duties such boosting soil exploration (crown roots in monocots), improving water capture (aerial roots in epiphyte plants), and supporting aerial organs (e.g., pillar roots in Ficus spp. and mangroves, crown and brace roots in maize), or enabling vegetative propagation of buried stems (e.g., runners in Fragaria vesca).

However, in many dicots, the majority of the postembryonic root system is made up of lateral roots (LRs), which develop from the pericycle cell layer of existing roots. The development of ARs occurs in these species as well, and it often happens in response to specific stresses such waterlogging and wounding, the latter of which is frequently used during stem-cutting propagation.

Fibrous Root system

Fibrous root systems are the antithesis of taproot systems. From the stem, it often grows narrow, poorly branched roots. Fibrous roots are a characteristic of ferns and other monocotyledonous plants. When the tree is completely grown, its fibrous root system will look like a carpet of roots.

The majority of trees initially have a taproot, but after a year or two they shift to a fibrous root system that spreads widely, with the majority of surface roots being horizontal and very few deep, vertical anchoring roots.

Even though more than 95% of the roots are at the top, the root system of a typical mature tree between 30 and 50 metres tall extends horizontally in all directions at least as far as the tree is tall. Examples include coconut palm, grass, and rosemary.

Tap Root system

A large, noticeable core root known as a taproot is where lateral roots first appear. A taproot frequently descends straight, is fairly thick, has a tapered shape, and tends to be somewhat straight. In some plants, like the carrot, the taproot is a storage organ that has matured to the point that it may be grown as a vegetable.

The taproot system contrasts with the adventitious or fibrous root system of plants with many-branched roots. Although many plants that grow a taproot during germination go on to develop branching root structures, some that rely on the main root for storage may retain the dominant taproot for centuries. Taproots also store nutrients.

Proproots

These are the hanging structures that can be prominently observed in a banyan tree.These develop from branches and grow vertically downwards.They ultimately penetrate the soil to provide support to heavy branches.Hence, these behave like pillar to provide support to the parts of the tree.

Conclusion

Anchoring the plant, absorbing water and dissolved minerals and transmitting them to the stem, as well as storing reserve food, are the fundamental functions of the root.