Sarah Rich

Aquatic adventitious roots – function and significance for plant survival during flooding

A common plant response to flooding is the formation of aquatic adventitious roots from submerged stems. The role of these aquatic roots has been hypothesised to be in supporting the primary root system during flooding stress; however, there is little quantitative data to support this.

Sarah’s project is investigating the anatomy and physiology of aquatic adventitious roots and elucidating the role of root photosynthesis and nutrient uptake by aquatic adventitious roots in growth and survival of flooded plants.

Her research falls into the CRC’s Program 2 research area.

Objectives:

• Elucidate the anatomy of aquatic, adventitious roots in selected wetland species
• Investigate aquatic root photosynthesis:
  • Quantify the contribution root photosynthesis makes to shoot and root oxygen supply
  • Quantify the contribution root photosynthesis makes to shoot and root carbon supply
• Determine the physiology of nutrient uptake by aquatic, adventitious roots.

For more information, email Sarah.