干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

We evaluated root growth of 4 provenances of the perennial grass Cenchrus ciliaris L Seedlings were grown in rhizotrons filled with sandy soils for 5 weeks These provenances were characterized by a fasciculate root system that is through to trap water in the surface soil The high root concentration in the first 30 cm depth showed their ability to take advantage of low rainfall, often frequent under arid bio climate We found significant differences in root length, relative growth rate and maximum rooting depth between the 4 provenances The maximum rooting depth was significantly greater for provenances P1 and P4 The root number decreased with depth Maximum root number was observed in 0-15 cm layer, with significant differences between provenances These results proved variability in root growth and agree with those found in southern of Tunisia about the variability in the performance of Cenchrus ciliaris provenances