An overview of root traits and ideotypes for improving crop productivity and addressing agronomic challenges

Currently, breeding efforts are focused mainly on shoot traits, which are insufficient to address agronomic challenges complicated by climate change . There is a need to incorporate root traits in breeding strategies, but recent research postulates that, due to root plasticity, breeding for specific root ideotypes is a better and less time-consuming approach. In this review, current studies on root ideotypes are summarized, and a case study on lentil genotypes, discussed. The objectives of this review are to (1) discuss the benefits of incorporating root traits in breeding programs, (2) discuss root traits for enhanced crop productivity i.e., improved nutrient uptake , abiotic stress tolerance, reduced lodging and diseases, and (3) summarize recent root ideotypes studies, and discuss a case study involving ideotypes identified in cultivated versus wild lentil genotypes for their potential implications for moisture and nutrient acquisition. We found that root traits play a significant role in abiotic stress management, root lodging, disease escape, and nutrient acquisition and uptake. The study of individual root traits and their response to biotic and abiotic stress is important to identify root ideotypes. Root ideotypes from domesticated plants (e.g., cultivated lentils) and their wild relatives can contribute significantly to solving agronomic problems when incorporated into breeding programs. Future breeding endeavors should incorporate specific root ideotypes for targeted environments to address agronomic issues.