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Lecturer(s)
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Šmilauerová Marie, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
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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. Content of lectures: The importance of roots and rhizomes, their anatomy and morphology. Summary of important root parameters and the methods for their detection. Plant architecture - what can be learned from the underground organs. Mycorrhizal symbiosis - the characteristics of each type, methods of their research. Field vs. pot experiments - advantages and disadvantages. Content of practicals: Collecting root biomass with corer and isolation of roots from soil. Separating rhizome and root systems of individual plants from soil. Quantifying topology of root systems. Quantifying arbuscular mycorrhizal infection.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming), Demonstration, Skills training, Laboratory, Excursion
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Learning outcomes
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Course participants are introduced to basic methods of sampling and analysing belowground plant organs, with focus on grassland ecosystems.
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Prerequisites
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Basic knowledge of plant anatomy and morphlogy
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Interim evaluation
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.]. Plant Roots: the Hidden Half, Four Edition.. CRC Press., 2013.
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A.L. Smit et al. [eds.]. Root methods. A Handbook.. Springer, 2000.
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Fitter A.H. An architectural approach to the comparative ecology of plant root systems. - New Phytologist, 106: 61 - 77. 1987. 1987.
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R.L. Peterson, H.B. Massicotte & L.H. Melville. Mycorrhizas.. CABI, 2004.
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