Developing resilient wheat varieties with optimized root systems is essential for ensuring food security and mitigating climate change impacts. This study aims to investigate crucial root traits, including root biomass and rooting depth, with the overarching goal of improving carbon sequestration through developing wheat with larger and deeper root systems.

Our methodology employs a multiscale phenotyping approach, integrating greenhouse experiments utilizing a cylinder method and a turface semi-hydroponic system. Leveraging state-of-the-art software such as SLEAP and RhizoVision Explorer, these experiments facilitate precise quantification and analysis of root traits. To enrich genetic diversity and uncover novel genetic determinants associated with improved root traits for carbon sequestration, collaborative efforts with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). Utilizing the Elite Diversity Panel International Experiment (EDPIE), featuring 150 genetically diverse wheat lines heat- and drought-adapted, our investigation has unveiled significant variation in early root traits for root biomass, total root length, and surface area traits.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) has pinpointed two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to shoot biomass. Intriguingly, a robust correlation has been observed between root biomass and shoot biomass, alongside total root length, underscoring the interconnection of these traits. While from the GWAS one gene is identified, the other remains unknown. However, both appear to play a role in enhancing drought tolerance and increasing yield. Further validation is required to confirm these findings.

From the turface semi-hydroponic system, a subset of 19 genotypes exhibiting the most divergent root/shoot traits were subjected to field root coring in Obregon (Mexico), complemented by remote sensing data obtained through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Moreover, correlations between root and shoot traits measured in field conditions and early root traits assessed through high-throughput screening methods will be investigated to pinpointing reliable proxies measured at early stage for mature root traits under natural field conditions.

This comprehensive approach accelerates phenotyping and selection processes for root traits crucial in the development of wheat varieties with root systems optimized for stress resilience and increased carbon sequestration for a more sustainable agriculture.