Root compaction (VIDEO) University of Nottingham This video is under embargo. Please login to access this video. Caption Images show the response of rice plant roots to soil compaction. The 'wild type' control (left) shows a reduction in root growth due to the build-up of the gas ethylene in the soil pores around the root. An ethylene insensitive rice line (right) shows no reduction of growth in the compacted soil, highlighting the role of ethylene in how plant roots sense their local environment. The low level of air-filled soil pores due to the high soil compaction is shown in blue. The images were obtained using X-ray Computed Tomography scans at The Hounsfield Facility, University of Nottingham. Credit University of Nottingham Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.