Data from: GLO-Roots: an imaging platform enabling multidimensional characterization of soil-grown roots systems

Root systems develop different root types that individually sense cues
from their local environment and integrate this information with systemic
signals. This complex multi-dimensional amalgam of inputs enables
continuous adjustment of root growth rates, direction and metabolic
activity that define a dynamic physical network. Current methods for
analyzing root biology balance physiological relevance with imaging
capability. To bridge this divide, we developed an integrated imaging
system called Growth and Luminescence Observatory for Roots (GLO-Roots)
that uses luminescence-based reporters to enable studies of root
architecture and gene expression patterns in soil-grown, light-shielded
roots. We have developed image analysis algorithms that allow the spatial
integration of soil properties, gene expression and root system
architecture traits. We propose GLO-Roots as a system that has great
utility in presenting environmental stimuli to roots in ways that evoke
natural adaptive responses and in providing tools for studying the
multi-dimensional nature of such processes.