How to study root plasticity in response to water availability under controlled conditions
Problem: To study the plasticity of root traits related to exploration and exploitation of soil environments, a range of methods need to be applied simultaneously. Tradeoffs between sample size and resolution for visualisation as well as sample size for metabolome and transcriptome analysis and potential compromise of the quantification of root system size and diameters, need to be considered.
Solution: An ‘in-depth traits assessment and understanding of plasticity’ combines (1) X-ray computed tomography (CT) for the visualisation and characterisation of root system architecture (RSA) in 3D during growth
(figure 1); (2) WinRHIZO-analysis for quantification of root system size and diameters; (3) root gene expression analysis (Transcriptomics) for adaption of the plants to actual growth conditions, and (4) root metabolome analysis (Metabolomics) for information on the history of growth conditions.
Benefits: By combining the above mentioned methods it is possible to study the plasticity of root systems in response to environmental conditions like differences in soil texture and chemical properties, water availability and nutrient supply.
For more information, please see: https://zenodo.org/records/8392410
Root phenotyping and genetic improvement for rotational crops resilient to environmental change
Ongoing | 2022-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Morocco, South Africa