Root crown

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A root crown, also known as the root collar or root neck, is that part of a root system from which a stem arises. Since roots and stems have quite different vascular anatomies, major vascular changes take place at this point.

Root-crown temperature has been found to affect plant growth and physiology in a number of ways. [1] Root crowns need to be exposed and 'breathe'; this is one way that some plants take in oxygen.

A number of pests and diseases affect specifically this part of the plant, including root-crown rot (or root-crown fungus) [2] and a number of species of root-crown weevil.

The root crown area usually appears swollen, tapered, constricted or very thin - as well as a combination of these. The area of the root crown is usually located around or at the soil level and can be vaguely or clearly apparent. [3]

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This page provides a glossary of plant morphology. Botanists and other biologists who study plant morphology use a number of different terms to classify and identify plant organs and parts that can be observed using no more than a handheld magnifying lens. This page provides help in understanding the numerous other pages describing plants by their various taxa. The accompanying page—Plant morphology—provides an overview of the science of the external form of plants. There is also an alphabetical list: Glossary of botanical terms. In contrast, this page deals with botanical terms in a systematic manner, with some illustrations, and organized by plant anatomy and function in plant physiology.

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References

  1. Schwarz, Meier (1972). "Influence of root crown temperature on plant development". Plant and Soil. 37 (2): 435–439. doi:10.1007/BF02139988. S2CID   420759.
  2. Root and Crown Rots. University of Wisconsin Garden Facts.
  3. "Root crown".