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Lecturer(s)
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Šmilauerová Marie, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
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Klimešová Jitka, prof. RNDr. CSc.
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Pecháčková Sylvie, RNDr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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Participants form small groups and each such group works on several "mini-projects". Practicals are complemented with theoretical overview of the state-of-art in research of root systems and mycorrhizal symbiosis, including presentation of the most influential papers in this research field. This course is taught in two extended weekends separated by a month, allowing a greenhouse experiment to take place in-between. Content of lectures: Importance of roots and rhizomes, their anatomy and morphology. Overview of important root parameters and traits and how to measure them. Plant architecture in the belowground. Mycorrhizal symbiosis - differences among individual types, ecological importance, sampling and quantification methods. Field vs. greenhouse experiments - pros and cons. Content of practical: Following methods will be included: sampling soil with corer, isolation of root biomass; excavation of rhizome and root systems of individual plants; clean-up of root samples, measuring root length and SRL; quantifying root architecture with topological approach; staining and quantifying mycorrhizal infection
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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unspecified
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Learning outcomes
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Students learn basic methods of sampling and analysis of plant belowground organs, with a focus on grassland ecosystems.
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Prerequisites
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Basic knowledge of plant anatomy and morphology
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Assessment methods and criteria
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unspecified
Students should actively participate in all parts, analyse data for their miniprojects and present the results and also present a published research paper focusing on its adopted methods
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Recommended literature
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A. Eshel, T. Beeckman [eds]. (2013): Plant roots; the hidden half. Fourth Edition. CRC Press..
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A.H. Fitter (1987): An architectural approach to the comparative ecology of plant root systems. New Phytologist, 106: 61-77.
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A.L. Smit et al. [eds] (2000): Root methods. A handbook. Springer.
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H. de Kroon et E.J.W. Visser [eds] (2003) Root ecology. Springer..
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