Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 150-158 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 154 Figure 2 Ideal DSR root system with root-specific traits and genes/QTLs at different stages of growth. The varying growth stages have different requirements of root morphology and associated genes/QTLs (Adopted from Panda et al., 2021) Image caption: (1) The germinating seed requires AG genes for germination: qEUE11.1 and qEVV9.1 for early high seedling vigor and qSOR1 for better surface rooting. (2) From the nutrient perspective, the seedling stage would require OsPT1 and OsPT8 for P uptake, OsZIP genes for Zn uptake, and TOND1 for nitrogen deficiency tolerance, supplemented with PSTOL1 (a root growth enhancer). (3) The vegetative stage needs DRO genes that articulate the roots working in complementation with SOR, OsNRT, and OsAMT genes for nitrogen transport efficiency, expansin genes (such as OsEXP) for growth of root hair and increased root length, and most of the roots are ideally at a 45° angle with each other measured from the base. (4) The reproductive stage needs better anchorage and root spread, higher silicon deposition on culm supplemented with qLDGgenes for lodging tolerance, higher nutrient and moisture uptake compensated with more fine roots, new roots and root cap development, high N uptake, and C accumulation. * The genes/QTLs for these attributes are yet to be identified (Adopted from Panda et al., 2021) 4.3 Integration of genetic and environmental insights from the case study The integration of genetic and environmental insights reveals that the DRO1 gene's influence on RSA is not only a genetic trait but also an adaptive response to environmental stress. Studies have shown that rice varieties with the DRO1 gene exhibit improved drought tolerance due to their deeper root systems, which allow them to access water from deeper soil layers (Kim et al., 2020; Daryani et al., 2021). This genetic trait interacts with environmental factors, such as soil moisture levels, to optimize water uptake and maintain plant growth under adverse conditions. The ability of DRO1 to enhance root depth and drought tolerance highlights the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in breeding programs aimed at improving crop resilience (Abdirad et al., 2022). 4.4 Implications for future research and breeding programs The findings from the case study of the DRO1 gene have significant implications for future research and breeding programs. The ability to manipulate root architecture through genetic pathways like DRO1 offers a promising avenue for developing rice varieties with enhanced drought tolerance and resource-use efficiency. Future research should focus on identifying and characterizing additional genes and QTLs that influence RSA, as well as understanding their interactions with environmental factors (Abdirad et al., 2022). Breeding programs can
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