The root system is the descending (growing downwards) portion of the plant axis. When a seed germinates, radicle is the first organ to come out of it. It elongates to form primary or the tap root. It gives off lateral branches (secondary and tertiary roots) and thus forms the root system. Its branches penetrate through large and deep areas in the soil and anchor the plant very firmly. It also plays another vital role of absorbing water and mineral salts from the soil and transporting them upwards.

Types of Root System

Root systems are mainly of two types:

Tap root system - It is the root system that develops from the radicle and continues as the primary root (tap root) which gives off lateral roots. These provide very strong anchorage as they are able to reach very deep into the soil. It is the main root system of dicots e.g. neem, sunflower, mustard, carrot, mango, beetroot, parsley, china rose and all dicotyledons are examples of taproot systems

Fibrous root system - In this root system, the primary root is shortlived. A cluster of slender, fiber-like roots arises from the base of the radicle and plumule which constitute the fibrous root system. They do not branch profusely, are shallow and spread horizontally, hence cannot provide strong anchorage. Fibrous root system is the main root system of monocots, e.g. maize, grasses, wheat, rice and all monocotyledons are some examples of the fibrous root system.