Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 150-158 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 150 Review Article Open Access Root System Architecture in Rice: A study of Genetic and Environmental Influences Deshan Huang, Yuandong Hong, Haiying Huang Hier Rice Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: haiying.huang@hitar.org Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.3 doi: 10.5376/rgg.2025.16.0014 Received: 19 Apr., 2025 Accepted: 30 May, 2025 Published: 18 Jun., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Huang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang D.S., Hong Y.D., and Huang H.Y., 2025, Root system architecture in rice: a study of genetic and environmental influences, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 16(3): 150-158 (doi: 10.5376/rgg.2025.16.0014) Abstract The root system architecture (RSA) of rice is a critical determinant of plant health, growth yield, and resilience to environmental stresses. This study explores the genetic and environmental factors influencing rice RSA, highlighting the importance of root traits such as length, number, density, and angle in nutrient and water uptake. Genetic studies have identified numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes, such as PSTOL1 and DRO1, which play significant roles in improving RSA under various conditions. Advances in phenotyping technologies, including non-invasive imaging and high-throughput methods, have facilitated detailed studies of RSA, thereby promoting the development of rice varieties with optimized root systems. Environmental factors, such as drought and nutrient availability, also have significant impacts on RSA, necessitating adaptive strategies to enhance stress tolerance. This study emphasizes the potential of integrating genetic research with advanced phenotyping technologies, providing new strategies for breeding rice varieties with superior RSA, ultimately contributing to increased yield and resource-use efficiency. Keywords Root system architecture (RSA); Quantitative trait loci (QTLs); Phenotyping technologies; Genetic variation; Environmental stress adaptation 1 Introduction Root system architecture (RSA) is a critical determinant of plant fitness, crop performance, and grain yield in rice. RSA describes the spatial configuration of root tissues within the soil, which is essential for efficient nutrient and water uptake, anchorage, and interaction with the soil environment (Rogers and Benfey, 2015). The ability of rice plants to adapt to various abiotic stresses, such as drought and nutrient deficiencies, is largely influenced by the structure and functionality of their root systems (Ranjan et al., 2022). Given the increasing challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable agricultural practices, optimizing RSA in rice is pivotal for enhancing resource-use efficiency and ensuring food security (Dorlodot et al., 2007; Maqbool et al., 2022). The development and plasticity of RSA in rice are governed by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic influences include the identification and manipulation of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and specific genes that regulate root traits such as root length, number, density, and angle (Panda et al., 2021; Karnatam et al., 2023). Advances in genomics and marker-assisted selection have facilitated the discovery of key genes like PSTOL1, qSOR1, and DRO1, which are associated with improved root growth and stress resilience (Khan et al., 2016). Environmental factors, including soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability, also play a significant role in shaping RSA. The ability of rice roots to exhibit plasticity in response to these environmental cues is crucial for maintaining plant health and productivity under varying conditions (Ye et al., 2018; Wedge et al., 2019). This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of RSA in rice, focusing on both genetic and environmental influences. The objectives are to Summarize the key genetic determinants of RSA in rice, including recent discoveries of QTLs and candidate genes. And discuss the impact of environmental factors on RSA and the adaptive mechanisms employed by rice plants. Highlight the potential applications of RSA research in rice breeding programs aimed at improving stress tolerance and resource-use efficiency.
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