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Root System Architecture and Abiotic Stress Tolerance: Current Knowledge in Root and Tuber Crops
M A Khan1, Dorcus C Gemenet1, Arthur Villordon2
1International Potato Center Lima, Peru.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|November 17, 2016
Summary
Understanding root system architecture (RSA) in root and tuber crops (RTCs) is crucial for enhancing food security. Manipulating RSA genetics can improve crop tolerance to climate change and abiotic stresses.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Global food production faces challenges from climate change and diminishing agricultural land.
- Most crop improvement efforts have focused on above-ground traits, neglecting the critical role of root system architecture (RSA).
- Root and tuber crops (RTCs) are vital for future food security, with their edible portions being the root system itself.
Approach:
- This review discusses the significance of RSA, particularly in RTCs.
- It highlights the potential of RSA plasticity in adapting crops to environmental changes.
- The review emphasizes the need for advanced techniques like high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping for RSA research.
Key Points:
- RSA, encompassing root length, spread, and branching, is highly adaptable to environmental shifts.
- Understanding RSA in RTCs offers direct benefits for improving edible yields and food security.
- Current research on root traits has primarily focused on cereals and model plants, with less attention on RTCs.
Conclusions:
- Integrating RSA genetics with advanced technologies can drive a new 'green revolution.'
- Manipulating RSA offers a promising strategy to enhance crop tolerance to abiotic stresses.
- Further research into RTC root systems is essential for sustainable agriculture and global food security.
Keywords:
abiotic stress tolerancecassavadrought tolerancepotatoroot and tuber cropsroot system architecture (RSA)sweetpotatoyamMore Related Videos
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