Root Morphological Characteristics And The Relationship With Yield Of Alfalfa

Alfalfa root morphology has a critical role in plant persistence and productivity traits. The objectives of this research were to evaluate shoot morphological and biomass, crown character root morphological of 18 alfalfa varieties. The correlation analysis between root morphological characteristics and yield were analyzed, the effects of root morphological characteristics on yield were also discussed.For selecting alfalfa varieties with higher resistance. The results are as follows:1. Comprehensive analysis of root indexes shows: except for branch number, bud number, lateral root diameter and lateral root number, among the other root indexes including crown diameter, crown depth, toproot diameter, toproot length, lateral root position, root dry weight was significantly or highly significantly positive correlation with each other.The root system morphology of different alfalfa varieties cluster analysis indicated that the first root system morphology similar, including Zhongmu No.l and Longmu No.803,the second including Aohan, YL-701, Zhaodong, Longmu No.801and Gongnong No.1,the third including YL-801,Chicao No.1,Zhongcao No.3, YL-802, Algonquin,YL-604, Rambler, Zhungeer,Caoyuan No.2,Gannong No.3, the last one is Humenghuanghua.2. Using WinRHIZO analysis system, there was significantly difference of the parameters of root morphological in different cultivars. Root average diameter concentrated between 0.60cm and 0.85cm.In different diameters Classification, root length, root surface area, root volume was significantly in different cultivars. In the range of diameter between 0mm and 1mm, root length, root surface area and root volume is the largest, with the increase of the diameter classification, the diameter of root length, root surface area and root volume are reduced, and greatly reduce.3. Correlation of shoot and root is significant between the traits. In indexes of root, except for bud number and plant height, dry weight, as well as branch number with a negative correlation with plant height, other root indexes were positively correlation with shoot indexes. Relationships of shoot biomass and crown diameter, toproot diameter, lateral root number are closely.4. Using the of root morphological in alfalfa varieties selection, it is suggested alfalfa varieties selection could be based on larger crown diameter and lateral root diameter, deeper crown depth, long taproot length, developed lateral root, heavy root day weight.For selecting alfalfa varieties with higher resistance.