Identifying and exploiting genes controlling root system architecture for improving drought tolerance in cereals

In water-limited environments, productivity is directly related to crop evapotranspiration: increased grain yield requires increased inputs of water, whether through rainfall, irrigation or removal of stored soil moisture. The supply of water to the shoot depends on the growth, development and function of the root system. This chapter will review advances in understanding the genetic control of root systems, and how this information could be used in crop improvement programmes for drought-prone areas.