Root Architecture and Dynamic Changes of Seedling of Fagus longipetiolata

We studied the root system of Fagus longipetiolata seedlings to:(1) show the root architecture of Fagus longipetiolata;and(2) determine variation regularity of root architecture during the process of growth.Fagus longipetiolata seedlings were grown in plastic vessels in a greenhouse,and watered with nutrient solution.Results indicated that the root system was reverse circular cone in shape and the width was less than the depth.The basal roots were distributed near the surface of the growth medium,and the angle of first-order lateral root and main root decreased gradually from root base to root tip along the main root.The second-order lateral root developed firstly between the middle and lower part of the root system.There was great variability in root architecture parameters of Fagus longipetiolata,while angle of first-order lateral root and main root showed the least variability among architectural parameters.