Ans : (d) the root dies first.
Explanation :
In girdling or ringing experiments, a ring of bark is cut from the stem. It also removes phloem. Nutrients collect above the ring, where the bark also swells up and may give rise to adventitious roots. Growth is also vigorous above the ring. The tissues below the ring not only show stoppage of growth but also begin to shrivel. Roots can be starved and killed, if the ring is not healed after some time. Killing of roots shall kill the whole plant, clearly showing that bark or phloem is involved in the movement of organic solutes towards root.