Rhythmic motions of plants (Measurement of rhythms in leaves and roots using the newly developed measuring system of 3-dimensional motions of plant organs)

In order to investigate mutual relationships between rhythmic motions of plant organs, we developed a new measuring system, which can automatically record 3 dimensional motions of two plant organs. To detect the position of a tip of an organ without actual contact, we applied image processing to this system. In this system, video camera positioners, which can be controlled in the horizontal and vertical directions using a computer, enable continuous focus on plant organs as they grow. As a result, we were able to determine some relationships between rhythmic motions of a main root and a lateral root, and rhythmic motions of root and a leaf, using this system. In addition, we found the possibility that rhythmic motions of roots took part in sensing the obstacle and communicating with another plants.