Cell shape impacts on transplant root and shoot expression - A review

Transplant root growth in cells of plant trays is largely confined to the g rowing-medium/cell wall interface. The reason for this phenomenon is not we ll defined. Separate from the issue of cell volume, where larger volumes us ually result in greater root and shoot growth, is the question of cell shap e. The effects of cell shape may be evaluated when depth and volume of the growing medium are held constant. The length and width of the cell sides fr om a square to rectangular may be varied and the effects on root and shoot growth documented. The influence of shape can either be stimulatory or inhi bitory to seedling growth, depending on the dimensions. Cell shape thus has a regulatory effect on the expression of transplant root and shoot growth.