The role that root traits may play in increasing grain yields has not been fully explored. Here, we review genotypic variation in root traits, focusing on traits that may increase drought tolerance and nutrient uptake. We also consider established and emerging methods used to screen for root traits, and we assess the opportunities for future progress by considering the suitability of the identified methods for high-throughput screening and the use of simulation models to identify which roots to screen. Genotypic variation in root traits has been reported in crops such as bread wheat, durum wheat, barley, and maize. As knowledge about root systems is fragmented, simulation models have been used as a strategy to integrate information, to reduce the number of traits to screen, and to target the most relevant ones for the response to a specific stress. Soil cores and minirhizotrons have so far been the methods most commonly used for field studies, whereas methods relying on hydroponics, moistened paper and petridishes have been used for the high-throughput screening of root traits under controlled conditions. Recent developments in methods to measure root traits suggest that high-throughput simple screening techniques are also becoming available for field studies.

Conservation Agriculture Program

Text in English

INT2813|INT3307|INT3224

CIMMYT Staff Publications Collection