Understanding Lateral Root Formation: Genetic Control of Lateral Root Spacing and Emergence

Root system architecture varies in ways that maximizes success in different environments. This project examines the mechanisms that dictate where lateral roots form and the implications for plant growth efficiency. I predicted that lateral roots would form closer together in roots that have higher concentrations of the plant hormone auxin. I then performed multivariate experiments to determine if lateral root patterning changes in mutants that affect the level of auxin. The result shows that the spacing of lateral roots can be controlled by factors that regulate auxin accumulation