The Root System

• The function of the root system is two fold:

- First, it enables the intake of water and nutrients from the soil; and

- Second, it serves to anchor the plant.

• Two kinds of roots will develop from a planted seed piece.
• The set roots, which arise from the root band, are thin and highly branched; the shoot roots, originating from the lower root bands of the shoots, are thick, fleshy and less branched.

                                                 

                                                                           Fig: Root system

• Each new tiller (shoot) will develop its own roots that eventually take over the function of the original shoot roots.
• A longitudinal section of a root tip consists mainly of four parts:

1. the root cap,

2. the growing point,

3. the region of elongation

4. the region of root hairs.