Staining with 0.05% neutral red reduces nutrient uptake by wheat roots

The results showed that, compared with unstained controls, staining plants with 0.05% neutral red halted or halved nitrate uptake measured over a 4 h period the following day. Potassium uptake was also significantly reduced by staining. In the experiment with smaller plants nutrient uptake rate recovered 5 days after staining, but not in the second experiment with larger plants. Stained roots were 19% narrower than unstained roots, suggesting that the stain affected the root structure. We do not recommend the use of 0.05% neutral red staining, for wheat at least, in experiments where accurate measurement of nutrient uptake rate is important.