We simulated for 7 days the 3-D root water uptake of three contrasted Maize phenotypes in terms of root hydraulic architecture under two hydrological regimes.
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Root depth or root length density profiles are not sufficient to characterize root system water uptake efficiency.
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Root water uptake efficiency of a given phenotype strongly differs following soil hydrologic conditions.
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The value of the equivalent root system conductance determines water acquisition strategy: water saving or water spending.
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Ideotypes should be defined also in terms of root hydraulic property distributions.
Abstract
Water stress is among the dominant yield limiting factors in global crop production. Better drought resistance is therefore a key challenge for breeding and crop management. Avoidance of water stress by effective root water uptake is considered a promising approach to yield stability in water limiting environments. Water uptake efficiency is the result of multiple plant root traits that dynamically interact with site hydrology. Root models are therefore an essential tool to identify key root traits for water efficient crops in a certain target cropping environment.