Root system growth and function respond to soil temperature in maize (Zea mays L.).

Area of Science:

• Plant science
• Agricultural science
• Genetics

Background:

• Crop adaptation relies on balanced resource allocation, with root growth critical for water and nutrient uptake.
• Low soil temperatures frequently limit maize root development, impacting exploration and potentially hindering drought tolerance and productivity.
• Genetic determinants of maize root responses to temperature remain largely unknown, despite its importance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the responses of maize root growth and function to low temperatures.
• To examine the genetic variability in root responses to low temperatures across diverse maize germplasm.
• To identify genetic factors influencing root growth and water transport under cold conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of high-throughput phenotyping systems for root analysis.
• Phenotypic characterization of root growth and water transport under low temperatures.
• Evaluation of genetic variation across diverse maize germplasm.

Main Results:

• Significant genetic variation exists in maize root growth below a 10°C threshold.
• Genotypic differences in water transport under low-temperature conditions were observed.
• The study identified key traits and developed a platform for characterizing low-temperature root responses.

Conclusions:

• Low temperatures represent a significant bottleneck for maize productivity and adaptation.
• Genetic variation in root traits under low temperatures offers opportunities for crop improvement.
• The developed phenotyping platform can accelerate breeding for climate-resilient maize varieties.