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The characterisation of the root architecture of our genetic resources is an essential prerequisite to understanding the response of individual genotypes to biotic or abiotic stress. This project opens numerous perspectives on the use of root architecture traits for the selection of varieties for the future. Expected results include :

• training the private plant breeder partners to use the chosen phenotyping method
• comparing the evaluated traits with those seen under typical production conditions
• quantification of the genetic variability of each trait and trait stability under different environmental conditions
• identification of simple ideotypes (such as long rooted genotypes for drought resistance)

The root phenotyping method will quickly become useful to the private plant breeders, partners in the project, who wish to characterise their own plant material, as well as to the organisations involved in the description of new varieties (GEVES). The data from the project will form a basis for future research into plant improvement, particularly in terms of agroecology, including resistance to biotic and abiotic stress and interactions with the phytobiome and the rhizosphere. Finally genotypes showing good growth in poor soils could be used as new root stock candidates. The results of the project will be available on this web site and the characterisation of root architectural traits will be integrated into the CRB-Leg databases.