It's the hidden portion of endeavors which are usually responsible for their growth, and this life principle holds true in one's backyard as well. The 70 contributors to this definitive text on roots uncover the complex system which nourishes those beautiful summer roses. The structure, development, growth, metabolism, waterways, bacteria, and pests (even the root hairs) are examined with thorough and scientific expertise. The second edition has been substantially revised and expanded with the addition of 30 contributors, new chapters on root study methodology and the biosynthetic and medicinal uses of roots, and revised research, particularly in the area of molecular genetics. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR