TEMPERATURE-INDUCED ALTERATION TO ROOT LONGEVITY IN LOLIUM-PERENNE

The production and mortality of roots is an important factor determini ng nutrient and carbon fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the effect of temperature on the longevity of roots is not understood. In this study the impact of changes in temperature on the longevity of Lo lium perenne roots was determined. Plants were grown at 15 degrees C, 21 degrees C and 27 degrees C and their roots observed using a minirhi zotron system. Major effects of temperature were measured with large r eductions in root longevity occurring at higher temperatures. The impl ications of these data are discussed.