Rice Root Phenotyping

Ensuring global food security in the face of a rapidly expanding population and uncertain climatic conditions is a significant twenty­first century challenge. Improvement in Asian rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation through optimization of root systems presents a unique opportunity to address this challenge. However, our understanding of the genetic control of the establishment of root system architecture (RSA) in rice is severely lacking. The identification of RSA genes could unlock avenues for improvement of rice cultivation through optimization of water and nutrient usage.

I am using a gel-based root imaging and phenotyping system developed in our lab to discover novel RSA genes. I have characterized a pair of chemically-induced mutants that show striking differences in root traits. One has a short and dense root system, while the other mutant has an RSA profile that is deeper and more expansive than wild type. I am phenotyping a mapping population in order to identify the genes affected in these mutant lines.

The identity of these genes will expand our rudimentary understanding of the genetic control of RSA phenotypes. Additionally, these mutants are in an elite cultivar background, and will be tested for performance in simulated drought and nutrient-deficient field trials.