A root crown, also known as the root collar or root neck, is the part of a plant where the stem and the root system meet.1 Since roots and stems have quite different vascular anatomies, major vascular changes take place at this point.
Root-crown temperature has been found to affect plant growth and physiology in a number of ways.2 Root crowns need to be exposed and 'breathe'; this is one way that some plants take in oxygen.
A number of pests and diseases affect specifically this part of the plant, including root-crown rot (or root-crown fungus)3 and a number of species of root-crown weevil.
The root crown area usually appears swollen, tapered, constricted or very thin - as well as a combination of these. The area of the root crown is usually located around or at the soil level and can be vaguely or clearly apparent.4
References
References
- Beentje, Henk (2010). The Kew Plant Glossary: An Illustrated Dictionary of Plant Terms. Richmond, Surrey: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 30, 35, 75, 101. ISBN 978-1-84246-422-9.
- Schwarz, Meier (1972). "Influence of root crown temperature on plant development". Plant and Soil. 37 (2): 435–439. Bibcode:1972PlSoi..37..435S. doi:10.1007/BF02139988. S2CID 420759.
- Root and Crown Rots. University of Wisconsin Garden Facts.
- "Root crown".