Root-root interactions significantly impact the formation of architectural root phenotypes, yet are poorly understood. Phenotype formation is impacted by sensing of soil resources and exudates of neighboring plants (Nord et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2021), which motivates the need to accurately quantify this phenomenon into its underlying causes. Currently, we are developing a complete experimental system for root-root interactions. A mesh frame has been designed to support the growth of two mature plant root systems. The frame is inserted into a large mesocosm, filled with a sand/soil mixture, and two plants are grown. To harvest, the mesocosm is disassembled and the sand/soil is gently washed away. Root systems are left suspended in the mesh and using a Canon EOS Rebel T5, ~500 total photos are taken at 10 different angles ranging from below to above the roots, 360° around the frame. DIRT/3D is used to construct 3D models and extract data from individual root systems. We are in the process of improving our data extraction methods to include spatial traits relative to the two root systems. To do so, we dye the root systems right before harvesting. The difference in coloration allows the use of a deep learning model based on U-net architecture to perform image segmentation and separate roots in the 3D models. Our next step is to run a larger experiment with 10 mesh frames. This will provide statistical significance for trait identification and adaptation of DIRT/3D for root-root interaction data extraction and analysis.

Quantifying phenotypes of root-root interactions would allow a greater understanding of how plants react to belowground competition through plasticity of architectural traits. Past research has shown that plants will over proliferate roots in the presence of competition, leaving less resources to allocate above ground, negatively impacting shoot growth and yields [1]. Further evidence highlights a response to neighboring plants in the root architecture of Arabidposis thaliana, as individuals concentrate root mass towards their competitors [2]. To visualize and quantify root architecture plasticity involved in these root-root interactions in real soil, we developed a modified mesocosm system. Within the mesocosm box common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds were germinated 10 inches apart from each other. Mesh screens were placed on either side of each bean, in order to capture root growth towards each other and/or away from each other. Plants were harvested at the 7-week mark, when the root archetype of each individual was developed and prominent. To harvest our boxes three sides of the mesocosm box was removed and the soil was washed away. Images of each box was taken to produce 3D models. Improvements to the mesocosm system will be made to reliably extract root traits in real soil. These experiments will shine light on an understudied section of crop science and will allow farmers and researchers a better understanding of an otherwise unseen phenomena.

William LaVoy1 , Limeng Xie1, Suxing Liu1, Alexander Bucksch1231Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 306022Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 306023Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602