Abstract
Abstract Root architecture is a key feature of roots that contributes to improving plant performance under stress. Identifying relevant root traits and defining their role in resistance to the different stresses is not an easy task. In this review, we describe the difficulties associated with the study of roots, which are mainly derived from their underground nature and high phenotypic plasticity. The evolution of the methods used for root analysis is reviewed with special attention to those that allow an accurate monitoring of the growth of whole root systems in space and time. The role of root modelling in assisting the study of root morphology and function is highlighted. Understanding the genetics of root formation is essential to exploiting root architecture in breeding programmes. Here, we summarize the information about natural and artificial variations in root architecture reported to date in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana and in economically relevant species: mostly cereals and legumes. In addition to the classical genetics studies, we report how new biotechnologies are contributing to increasing our understanding of root genetics. We discuss progress made using mutant screening and other genomic tools towards identifying genes involved in root development. In addition, progress made with the identification of quantitative trait loci responsible for natural variation in root architectural traits is summarized here; with an emphasis on their use in marker-assisted programmes aimed at producing cultivars with altered root architecture and increased resistance to stress.
Published Version
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