Abstract Detail

Systematics

Cox, Monica [1], Horner, Harry [2], Gallaher, Tim [3], Clark, Lynn [4].

Investigation into the Functional Role of Root Anatomy in the Poaceae.

Root systems extract water and essential nutrients from the soil, supplying the plant’s vegetative and reproductive structures. Despite this importance, the role of roots has been historically downplayed by comparison to their aboveground counterparts. Furthermore, morphological and anatomical features that occur within a root’s architecture, especially at the cellular level, are still poorly documented and understood. Therefore, there remains a void in the area of root system development and structure, particularly throughout the economically and ecologically pivotal family Poaceae. Past studies have explored grass leaf and stem anatomy typically in transverse (cross) section, yet very few studies have examined root tissue and even fewer in longitudinal section. As part of a broad survey of root structure and evolution in the Poaceae, preliminary anatomical work within the Panicoideae subfamily has indicated that root architecture variation may be more extensive than previously suspected. Architecture includes quantitative and qualitative characters such as pith presence and diameter, sclerenchyma distribution, and metaxylem diameter, in addition to other features. In conjunction with an in-depth anatomical investigation, I will optimize character state changes on the Poaceae plastome phylogeny and correlate them with ecological factors, such as photosynthetic type and/or habitat. This will be done in an attempt to better understand the functional significance of root variation in the evolution and diversification of major grass lineages.

1 - Iowa State University, 2220 Osborn Dr., Room 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, Iowa, 50011-4009, United States
2 - Iowa State University , Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology & Microscopy and Nanoimaging Facility, 2200 Osborn Drive, Ames, IA, 50011-4009, USA
3 - Iowa State University, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, 2220 Osborn Dr., Room 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-4009, USA
4 - Iowa State University, 2220 Osborn Dr., Room 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-4009, United States

Keywords:
Root Anatomy
Poaceae
Panicoideae
character evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 45, Monocots part B/Basal Eudicots
Location: 200/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 1:45 PM
Number: 45002
Abstract ID:213
Candidate for Awards:None