Improving root–soil adaptability by modifying root system architecture in rice

Junxiang Zhang; Yali Xiong; Guoqiang Huang

doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2026.02.023

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Improving root–soil adaptability by modifying root system architecture in rice

doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2026.02.023

Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

Funds:

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32522012) and the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (25ZR1402218).

Received Date: 2025-10-22
Accepted Date: 2026-02-25
Rev Recd Date: 2026-02-13

Available Online: 2026-03-06

Abstract

Abstract

Plant root systems serve essential roles in soil anchorage, water uptake, and nutrient acquisition. Root system architecture (RSA) refers to the spatial arrangement of the root system in the soil, reflecting the geometric arrangement of root axes and the structure, morphology, and anatomy of root branches. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a key cereal crop with a hierarchically organized root system that consists of embryonically derived primary roots and postembryonic crown roots, together with their associated lateral roots and root hairs, each of which exhibits specialized structural modifications. This review systematically examines key architectural components of the rice root system; the stress-responsive RSA traits that contribute to abiotic stress resilience and/or tolerance; and precise strategic approaches for the development of optimized root ideotypes through integrated phenotyping and genomic technologies.
- Rice,
- Root system architecture,
- Soil,
- Root–soil interactions,
- Ideal root system

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References

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