This fourth edition reflects advances and emerging technologies in the field of root science. It covers the origin and characteristics of roots, root genetics and molecular biology, research techniques, the regulation of root growth, physiological aspects, root growth under stress, rhizosphere interaction, roots of various ecological groups, and roots of economic value. New chapters cover root genomics, cellular patterning in root meristems, patterning of root epidermis, cambial activity in roots, rice root systems, root proteomics, root metabolomics, nitrogen and phosphorous metabolism in roots, roots as carbon storage systems, roots of dune plants, and ecophysiology of roots of halophytes.

THE ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ROOTS

The Origin of Roots

Characteristics and Functions of Root Systems

Terminology

THE ROOT SYSTEM: STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT

The Root Cap: Structure and Function

Root Genomics- Gene Expression in Roots as compared to Shoots

Cellular Patterning in Root Meristems: Its Origins and Significance and The Root brain: "Neurobiology" of Roots

Patterning of Root Epidermis

Root Hairs: Hormones and Tip Molecules

Secondary Growth of Roots: A Cell Biological Perspective

Lateral Root Initiation

Cambial Activity in Roots

Functional Diversity of Various Constituents of a Single Root Systems: Is it an Inherent Trait?

Biomechanics of Roots

Root Systems of Arboreal Plants

Root - Shoot Relations

ROOT GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Root Lifespan, Efficiency, and Turnover

Arabidopsis Root System

Maize Root System and Genetic Analysis of its Formation

Root Architecture - Wheat as a Model Plant

Rice Root System

Banana Roots: Architecture and Genetics

Molecular Root Bioengineering

RESEARCH TECHNIQUES FOR ROOT STUDIES

Root Research Methods

Rhizotrones and Minirhizotrons

Aeroponics: A Tool for Root Research under Minimal Environmental Restrictions

Use of Micro sensors for Studying the Physiological Activity of Plant Roots

Modeling Root System Structure and Function

THE REGULATION OF ROOT GROWTH

Auxins in the Biology of Roots

Root proteomics

Root Metabolomics

Gibberellins

Roots and Cytokinins

Abscisic Acid in Roots-Biochemistry and Physiology

Role of Ethylene in Coordinating Root Growth and Development

Root Signals

Environmental Sensing and Directional Growth of Plant Roots

Calcium Signalling

PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ROOT SYSTEMS

Root pH Regulation

Nutrient Absorption by Plant Roots: Regulation of Uptake to Match Plant Demand

Nitrogen Metabolism in Roots

Phosphorus Metabolism in Roots

Soil Water Uptake and Water Transport through Root Systems

Ecological Aspects of Water Permeability of Roots

ROOT GROWTH UNDER STRESS

Temperature Effects on Root Growth

Root Growth and Metabolism under Oxygen Deficiency

Trace Element (Heavy metal) Stress in Roots

Root Growth under Salinity Stress

Mechanical effects of soil Drying

Plant Roots under Aluminum Stress: Toxicity and Tolerance

ROOT - RHIZOSPHERE INTERACTION

Root - Bacteria Interactions: Symbiotic N2 Fixation

Plant Growth Promotion by Rhizosphere Bacteria

Fungal Root Endophytes

Mycorrhizae-Rhizosphere Determinants of Plant Communities

Root-Nematode Interactions: Recognition and Pathogenicity

Interactions of Soilborne Pathogens with Roots and Aboveground Plant Organs

ROOTS OF VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL GROUPS

Roots as Carbon storage systems

Ecophysiology of Roots of Aquatic Plants

Roots of Dune Plants

Ecophysiology of Roots of Halophytes

ROOTS OF ECONOMIC VALUE

Roots as a Source of Food

Underground Plant Metabolism: The Biosynthetic Potential of Roots

Roots as a Source of Metabolites with Medicinal Activity