Using OpenSimRoot to simulate barley root growth to identify stress-resilient traits
Problem
Barley is an important crop that is known for its stress-tolerance. Its root system comprises distinct classes, including seminal and nodal roots, crucial for resource uptake. Studying certain traits systematically is sometimes not possible under field conditions. Also, investigating roots in the field is difficult as experiments are costly, time-consuming, and the results are affected by environmental conditions.
Solution
The growth of barley root systems is simulated with OpenSimRoot, a software for functional-structural plant modelling in 3D soil, to investigate how root traits affect plant performance under stress.
Benefits
This approach allows for the systematic testing of individual and combined traits while reducing time and cost. The results can guide breeding efforts towards barley ideotypes that are better adapted to future stress.
For more information and practical recommendations, please see:
https://zenodo.org/records/17738404
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