Advances in phenotyping to identify drought-resistance traits in cereal roots

Publication date: 08/01/2024
Extent: 44 pages

Contributions by: John (Jack) Christopher, University of Queensland QAAFI, Australia

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter examines advances in phenotyping to identify drought-resistance traits in cereal roots. The chapter first describes current root phenotyping strategies and challenges, which is then followed by an overview of important root traits to improve drought adaptation, such as root system architecture, root anatomy and changes in roots in response to drought. A section on phenotyping in controlled ex-situ conditions is also provided, which is then followed by an overview of field phenotyping, three-dimensional imaging and root interactions with the soil as well as imaging and trait data extraction. The chapter also discusses above ground correlated traits in the field, trait by environment interactions and phenotyping methods for genomic selection and molecular breeding. A case study on late, deep root development in sub-tropical wheat is also included.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0109.06