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Large root systems: are they useful in adapting wheat to dry environments?
Jairo A Palta1, Xing Chen1, Stephen P Milroy1
1CSIRO Plant Industry, Private Bag No. 5, Wembley, WA 6913, Australia.
Functional Plant Biology : FPB
|June 3, 2020
Summary
A large wheat root system aids water and nitrogen capture, especially in seasonal rainfall environments. However, it risks depleting stored soil water in drier conditions.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Agronomy
Background:
- Debate exists on the optimal root system size for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adaptation to water-limited environments.
- Previous research lacks consensus on the functional implications of root system size for water capture in wheat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the lack of consensus regarding large root systems in wheat adaptation to dry conditions.
- To determine the utility of a large root system for enhancing wheat yield in water-limited environments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of unpublished glasshouse and field experimental data.
- Examination of the relationship between root system size (biomass, length, length density) and water capture efficiency.
- Evaluation of indirect selection for leaf vigour impacting root system invigoration.
Main Results:
- Individual root traits do not define overall root system size.
- Indirect selection for leaf vigour has led to larger wheat root systems (increased biomass, length, and density).
- Large root systems enhance early season water and nitrogen uptake and aid water capture during grain filling.
Conclusions:
- A vigorous root system can increase wheat yield in environments reliant on seasonal rainfall (e.g., Mediterranean climates).
- In regions dependent on stored soil water, a large root system may increase the risk of premature soil water depletion, negatively impacting grain filling.
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