Conference PaperQuantification of Phenotypic Responses to Root-Root Interactions Among Common Beans in a Specialized MesocosmWilliam LaVoy, Limeng XieRoot-root interactions alter the architectural organization of individual root systems and therefore, affect nutrient foraging (O’Brien et al., 2005). Past reports have shown detrimental and beneficial effects to the amount of yield in crops as they avoid or prefer belowground competition (Li et al., 2006; O’Brien et al., 2005). With little research done into root-root interactions there is still much to discover about the root phenotypes arising from root-root interactions and functions. Quantifying architectural traits of root system interactions would provide insight for researchers into the benefit of a cooperation vs. competition trade-off belowground. We have begun to develop a soil filled mesocosm system to perform a series of preliminary studies using 3D imaging to develop metrics of root-root interaction using common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Common beans have a relatively fast growing and sparse adventitious and basal root system, making them a suitable organism for this imaging study. Our second revision of the mesocosm focused on improving and fine tuning a mesh system that provides better support for the root architecture during the soil removal process. We use a light-weight, low-visibility plastic mesh originally used as bird netting to allow image capture from all sides. Traits that we aim to extract include root growth angle, rooting depth, and root volume relative to neighbors, because these spatial qualities determine the soil areas that the root system will be foraging in. Our data will allow for the quantification and association of root plasticity in the presence of belowground competition.2022-06-0110343390CROPS 2022https://doi.org/1845760National Science Foundation