Building a future with root architecture

Summary

This virtual issue editorial examines the critical role of root system architecture in breeding crops resilient to water scarcity and excess, driven by climate change and unmanaged freshwater consumption. The authors contextualise the global freshwater crisis—noting that only 1% of freshwater is easily accessible—and the increasing incidence of drought and flooding, particularly in agriculturally intensive regions like California's Central Valley and Saudi Arabia. They argue that understanding how to manipulate root architecture and function to enhance resource capture, whilst accounting for crop phenology and water availability dynamics, is essential for food security in vulnerable regions, especially the Global South.

Regional applicability

Whilst global in scope, the findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom agriculture, where climate change is increasing both drought risk and extreme rainfall events. Root architecture breeding approaches discussed would be relevant for UK cereal, horticultural and grassland systems adapting to more variable water availability and extreme precipitation.

Key measures

Root system architecture traits; water use efficiency; crop resilience to drought and flood stress; phenological responses

Outcomes reported

This virtual issue synthesises fundamental research on how root system architecture can be manipulated to improve crop water use efficiency and resilience to drought and flooding under climate change.

Topic tags