Crop root system phenotyping with high water-use efficiency and its targeted precision regulation: Present and prospect

Jian Kang; Risheng Ding; Jinliang Chen; Siyu Wu; Weichen Gao; Zilu Wen; Ling Tong; Taisheng Du

Agricultural Water Management (Mar 2025)

Crop root system phenotyping with high water-use efficiency and its targeted precision regulation: Present and prospect

Jian Kang,
Risheng Ding,
Jinliang Chen,
Siyu Wu,
Weichen Gao,
Zilu Wen,
Ling Tong,
Taisheng Du

Affiliations

Jian Kang: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Risheng Ding: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Jinliang Chen: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Siyu Wu: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Weichen Gao: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Zilu Wen: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Ling Tong: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Taisheng Du: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province, Wuwei 733009, China; Center for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; Corresponding author at: State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, Beijing 100083, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 309
p. 109327

Abstract

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Roots are essential to crop survival and productivity, especially under drought conditions where efficient water use efficiency (WUE) is critical for enhancing crop resilience and ensuring food security. This paper explores recent advancements in understanding and optimizing root system architecture (RSA) to enhance WUE, focusing on how genetic, physiological, and environmental factors shape RSA for improved water absorption and drought resilience in major field crops. Root system traits play key roles in accessing water efficiently, and precision manipulation of these traits holds promise for mitigating water scarcity impacts on agriculture. Emerging technologies like multi-omics approaches, which integrate genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, alongside high-throughput imaging techniques, enable comprehensive root phenotyping and real-time monitoring of RSA under varying conditions. These advancements facilitate the identification of key regulatory genes and molecular pathways responsible for efficient water uptake, opening doors to targeted crop breeding and engineering. Additionally, the use of plant growth regulators, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, and precision irrigation strategies are presented as practical methods to optimize RSA for WUE. The paper also emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches, integrating crop genetics, environmental sciences, and precision agriculture to optimize RSA for sustainable water management. This study highlights the significance of RSA in improving crop productivity under water-limited conditions, offering actionable insights for future research aimed at developing drought-resistant crops and optimizing water resources. By filling the existing research gap, this paper provides a comprehensive framework for advancing field crop resilience through the integration of RSA shaping, advanced technologies, and improved water management practices.

Published in Agricultural Water Management

ISSN: 1873-2283 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Agriculture: Agriculture (General); Social Sciences: Industries. Land use. Labor: Special industries and trades: Agricultural industries
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/agricultural-water-management

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