Crop production under changing environment

 

 

Seminal roots constitute the initial wheat root system and provide the main route for water absorption during the early stages of development. Seminal root number (SRN) varies among species. However, the mechanisms through which SRN is controlled and in turn contribute to environmental adaptation are poorly understood. Here we show that SRN increased upon wheat domestication from three to five due to the activation of two root primordia which are suppressed in wild wheat, a trait controlled by loci expressed in the germinating embryo. Suppression of root primordia did not limit water uptake, indicating that three seminal roots are adequate to maintain growth during seedling development. The persistence of roots at their primordial state promoted seedling recovery from water-stress through re-activation of suppressed primordia upon rehydration. Our findings suggest that under well-watered conditions, SRN is not a limiting factor, and an excessive number of roots may be costly and maladaptive. Following water-stress, lack of substantial root system suppresses growth and rapid recovery of the root system is essential for seedling recovery. This study underscores SRN as key adaptive trait that was reshaped upon domestication. The maintenance of roots at their primordial state during seedling development may be regarded as a seedling protective mechanism against water-stress.