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