“Rhizoponics”: a novel hydroponic rhizotron for root system analyses on mature Arabidopsis thaliana plants

Well-developed and functional roots are critical to support plant life and reach high crop yields. Their study however, is hampered by their underground growth and characterizing complex root system architecture therefore remains a challenge. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, in vitro culture remains the easiest and preferred method to study root development, which limits the analyses to young seedlings. We present here an innovative design of hydroponic rhizotron (rhizoponics) designed for the root system analysis of adult plants of Arabidopsis thaliana.