MEANS AND MEASUREMENT OF ROOT RESPIRATION IN FRUIT CROPS

Reports on root respiration of fruit crops are scarce. The few published data, which are either difficult to interpret due to the use of different techniques and units employed or restricted to spot measurements using very young fruit trees such as rooted cuttings of rootstocks, are critically reviewed here. Techniques available for measuring root respiration are described with respect to their suitability for roots of fruit crops with an emphasis on potential problems in methodology. Appropriate methods are suggested in order to encourage more research into root respiration. Techniques reviewed for the measurement of root respiration are titration, use of Warburg apparatus, oxygen electrode, gas chromatography, infrared gas analysis, and measurement of root respiration as part of soil respiration.