Abstract
Roots are important for crop adaptation, particularly in dryland environments. We evaluated root development of 37 durum wheat genotypes (modern cultivars and landraces) in the field at the adult plant stage, through a shovelomics approach. Large genotypic variability was found for root traits. Differences between the landraces and modern cultivars were the main driver of this variation, with landraces showing higher plant vigor for roots and shoots. Nonetheless, genotypic variation within groups was also observed, related to different models of root growth, largely independent of total root length. These two models represented root growth were oriented either to occupy more soil volume, or to occupy less soil volume with increased density. The field results were then compared with root data previously collected in seedlings using a filter paper-based method, to assess whether early root anticipated adult root features. Field plants showed a narrower root angle than seedlings. In particular, landraces presented a narrower root angle than cultivars, but only at seedling stage. Potentially useful correlations were found between the two growth stages for root length and number.
Highlights
Root system architecture (RSA) plays a key role in determining access to soil resources, which affects plant performance and yield [1]
We present the assessment of root traits in adult plants of a collection of durum wheat genotypes successfully grown in Algeria, presenting diverse breeding histories, including a comparison of landraces with modern cultivars, to assess the indirect effect of breeding on root traits
Landrace vs. modern cultivar differences were significant for all traits except root to shoot ratio (RSR)
Summary
Root system architecture (RSA) plays a key role in determining access to soil resources, which affects plant performance and yield [1]. There are two main root types in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Other types of RSA were identified based on the “root boxes” method, such as “concentrated” and “scattered”, following the density and distribution of nodal roots [3,4]. One of the main staple crops in the Mediterranean region [6], is typically cultivated under rainfed conditions. Under such conditions, grain yield is affected mostly by late drought, which coincides with the periods of flowering and grain-filling [7,8,9,10]. The in-season rainfall is predicted to decrease by up to 30% because of climate change, leading to increased drought occurrence and severity [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
