Methods for studying root herbivory.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the major traditional techniques for investigating the impacts of root herbivory, including slant boards, cone containers, growth bags, rhizotrons and other visual techniques used in the laboratory and glasshouse, in addition to established field methods. These techniques can be classified as either destructive, where a single set of observations are made at the termination of the experiment, or non-destructive, which allow sequential observations or measurements to be made during the experiment. The salient findings of studies that use these techniques are summarized to illustrate the parameters and responses that can be quantified.