Root Hairs
The 'Gills' of Roots
(Development, Structure and Functions)
V. Bhaskar

Foreword by: Graeme P. Berlyn; School of Forestry & Environment Studies, Yale University
ISBN 978-1-57808-274-2; 2003; 208 pages; US $107.50      Buy Now

This book on root hairs is a comprehensive treatise on inter-relationships between development, structure and functions of root hairs. Hitherto the chief functional role of root hairs has been believed to be in the absorption of water and minerals. But the author has substantiated with numerous evidences that the root hairs are chiefly adopted for 'breathing' and thus function as 'respiratory gills' in roots which generally lack special openings such as stomata or lenticels.

The text deals with the occurrence, life history, cytology, anatomy, morphology, and physiology of root hairs. It also analyses the critical role of root hairs in the development of nodules-both rhizobial and actinorrhizal-in the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Less well known, but still important is the role of root hairs in mycorrhizal symbioses and their importance for the mineral nutrition of plants.

Contents:
Introduction

Occurrence and Nature of Root Hairs in Higher Plants
. Vascular plants without root hairs
. Aerial roots and root hairs
. Number and size
. Surface area
. Life span

Structure of Root/Hairs
. Morphological structure of root hair
. Cytology and ultrastructure of root hair
. Cell wall of root hair
. Cutical in root hair

Origin and Development of Root Hair
. Ontogeny of root hair
. Factors influencing development, differentiation and density of root hairs
. Genetic control of root hair development
. Biotechnology with root hair

Physiological Functions of Root Hairs: Earlier Theories
. Role of root hair in water and mineral uptake
. Role of root hair in nodule formation
. Root hair and mycorrhiza
. Root hair and root parasitism
. Root hair and infection by mematoses pathogens
. Other functions of root hair

Root Hairs as 'Respiratory Gills': Evidences
. Root respiration
. Root hair as an entry point for oxygen diffusion
. Evidence disfavouring water and mineral uptake as the main functions of root hair
. Evidences in support of the respiratory role as the chief function of root hair
. Additional experimental evidences

Implications of the Respiratory role of Root Hairs in Agriculture and Forestry
. Contribution of roots (root hairs) to CO2 evolution
. Co2-O2 Relationship and their effect on root hair respiration, plant growth and yields
. Plant responses and soil anaerobiosis
. Root hair management for higher yields

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