The morphological changes of lettuce and ryegrass roots in response to Se toxicity were quantified by image analysis. Based on the assumption that soil stresses increase endogenous ethylene production in plants, changes indicating higher construction costs for roots, such as decreased specific root length, were expected. As lettuce roots in soil without Se addition (control) became older, their width increased whereas their specific length, specific surface area and specific volume decreased. In younger lettuce, large Se additions induced changes resembling those identified in the control plant upon senescence. In older plants, Se fertilisation reversed these changes or made them smaller. Ryegrass roots were not as sensitive to added Se as lettuce roots; a lower dosage stimulated root growth but a higher one reduced it.

Research Note