Effects of breeding history and crop management on the root architecture of wheat.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Selection for optimal root system architecture (RSA) is important to ensure genetic gains in the sustainable production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Here we examine the hypothesis that past wheat breeding has led to changes in RSA and that future breeding efforts can focus directly on RSA to improve adaptation to target environments.

Methods

We conducted field trials using diverse wheat varieties, including modern and historic UK varieties and non-UK landraces, tested under contrasting tillage regimes (non-inversion tillage versus conventional ploughing) for two trial years or different seeding rates (standard versus high rate) for one trial year. We used field excavation, washing and measurement of root crowns ('shovelomics') to characterise RSA traits, incl

SUBMITTER: Fradgley N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7371663 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature