Root angle modifications by the DRO1 homolog improve rice yields in saline paddy fields

Significance Genetically improving the root system architectures of plants is an effective strategy for developing climate-resilient crops. In this study, we revealed that a cloned rice quantitative trait locus associated with root growth angle, qSOR1 , is a DRO1 homolog involved in root gravitropic responses. The loss-of-function allele qsor1 resulted in roots that developed on the soil surface and enabled plants to avoid the reducing stress found in saline paddy soils and, consequently, increased yields. We show that the DRO1 homologs could be useful for the controlled breeding of root system architectures that are adapted to the abiotic stress conditions caused by global climate change.