Root research is conducted to improve the drought resistance of food crops, to study root response to soil conditions and contamination, and for research on disease mechanisms. Improving food production is of major importance in the United States and a matter of survival in many third world countries. Early studies correlated the roots observed in these views with samples of roots dug up destructively in soil samples and meticulously washed and measured. Recent system improvements cut the average time to take each picture and increased the amount of data that could be gathered by 500 percent.New cameras allow higher magnification for viewing fungi and microorganisms. More accurate movement of the microscope is needed. This research will apply computer control and automation to the video microscope in order to: (1) decrease the time and labor required to gather the photographs; (2) improve the accuracy of registration so the photo is of the same place; (3) make the index depth intervals easily adjustable in the program; (4) improve the marking of each picture to take the data back off the tape faster and with less operator input; and (5) produce a system designed for an attainable price.Commercial Applications:Non-destructive root observation has only been possible in the natural environment for about ten years. In that time, the technology has improved to allow high resolution and high magnification plus data gathering from entire fields, 5000 pictures per day. Only 100 systems are in use of the possible 2000 researchers who need the improved capabilities
