At about the V3 stage of development, the primary root function begins to be replaced by the nodal, secondary roots. Energy provided by photosynthesis in young leaves, and heat, drive the production of the metabolites for cell division and cell elongation in these young root tissues. Whereas auxin hormone causes increased cell elongation in stem and leaf cells, auxin reduce this activity in the root cells. Consequently, although the nodal roots initially emerge horizontally from the stem nodes beneath the soil surface, gravity causes more auxin to accumulate on the lower root epidermal cells. This results in longer epidermal cells on the upper side than on the lower side, effectively turning the root growth downwards.
Root tip meristem cells rapidly divide, producing the root cap cells below to protect the dividing cells as it pushes through the soil and functioning root cells above the dividing cells. Outer layer root cells composing the epidermis are thin-walled and porous to water via osmosis. A short distance from the meristem of the root tip, epidermal cells form protrusions (root hairs), effectively expanding the surface area exposed to water and minerals of the soil.
Cells in the core of the new root differentiate to form vascular tissue that connects to the stem vascular tissue through the nodes. This vascular tissue allows transport of water and minerals upwards through the xylem and carbs downwards through the phloem. A few cells in this vascular portion of the young root maintain cell division capability, becoming stimulated by another group of hormones (cytokinins) to increase cells laterally, pushing through the epidermal cell layer becoming lateral roots with their own root meristems.
As with all aspects of corn growth a combination of genetics and environment influences the growth of the root system. Total volume of roots and depth of root growth tendencies will vary among genotypes. The fibrous nature of corn roots not only increase absorption from the soil but also provide support for the stalk as it elongates.
About Corn Journal
The purpose of this blog is to share perspectives of the biology of corn, its seed and diseases in a mix of technical and not so technical terms with all who are interested in this major crop. With more technical references to any of the topics easily available on the web with a search of key words, the blog will rarely cite references but will attempt to be accurate. Comments are welcome but will be screened before publishing. Comments and questions directed to the author by emails are encouraged.