Root dynamics and drought stress management in plants - An overview

Drought is a predominant factor responsible for yield reduction throughout the world. The current scenario of climate change and global warming are further causing frequent and severe droughts, which emphasize the need to understand the response of plants to drought stress. Hence, it is imperative to develop a system wherein water utilization in agriculture is managed more efficiently. In this context, the plant root system which is in close association with soil assumes greater importance and they play an important role in plant growth and development by exploiting soil water and nutrients. Root traits such as root diameter, length, specific area, angle, length and density are considered useful traits for improving plant growth under drought conditions. This review on root dynamics under drought stress presented here provides readers with the latest information on root system architecture, genetics, physiology and molecular responses of roots under drought stress.