Effect of temperature on the root growth of wheat cultivars

The extension growth of primary root and total lateral roots of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Troy) and and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Rialto) was much lower at 35°C compared to growth at 20°, 25° and 30°C. Relative growth rate of spring wheat roots was greater than winter wheat at all temperatures. The meristem volume of both cultivars showed no differential growth with varying temperatures. The production of lateral root primordia was not affected by the rate of primary root extension in both cultivars irrespective of temperature regimes.