Aims Specific root respiration (RR S ) is a key root trait, determining i.e. nutrient foraging and uptake efficiencies. However, a considerable uncertainty exists regarding the effects of storage time and conditions on RR S measurements. Methods Fine root CO 2 efflux rates of three plant types (tree seedling Carpinus betulus , legume Pisum sativum , grass Lolium perenne ) were measured as depending on storage time (30–1440 min post-rinsing) and conditions (i.e. attached to plant, warm and cold water storage, and storage under dry conditions). Results Short-term storage conditions (30 min) had a significant effect on measured RR S rates, in specific, RR S rates of all three species were significantly lower under dry storage. Irrespective of plant species or temperature, storage of excised roots in water did not affect RR S for 300 min,. RR S measurements remained stable for 1 day if roots were stored cold. Conclusions Our results have important implications on measurement routines of RR S —a generally understudied root trait. Henceforth it seems reasonable to collect roots in the field and transport them, hydrated but even uncooled, to the laboratory for subsequent measurements for at least 300 min post-rinsing.

中文翻译：

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受贮藏时间和条件影响的三种植物的比根呼吸

目的 特定根呼吸 (RR S ) 是一个关键的根性状，决定了养分觅食和吸收效率。然而，关于储存时间和条件对 R S 测量的影响存在相当大的不确定性。方法 根据储存时间（漂洗后 30-1440 分钟）和条件（即附着在植物上、温暖和冷水储存，以及在干燥条件下储存）。结果 短期储存条件（30 分钟）对测得的 R S 率有显着影响，特别是，所有三个物种的 R S 率在干储存下都显着降低。不考虑植物种类或温度，将切除的根在水中储存 300 分钟不会影响 RR S。如果根被冷藏，RR S 测量值保持稳定 1 天。结论 我们的结果对 RR S 的测量程序具有重要意义 - 一种普遍未被研究的根性状。从今以后，在田间收集根并运输它们，水合但甚至未冷却，到实验室进行后续测量，冲洗后至少 300 分钟似乎是合理的。