When form fits function: the value of root diversity to survival

For a plant, form is function. Despite the diversity of forms that exist in nature, plant root diversity is notoriously understudied compared to their aerial counterpart. This review by Ramachandran and Ramirez et al. aims to revitalize the field of root form-function research by accentuating the vast array of root adaptations plants have evolved to survive different ecological niches. The review covers root specialization at different organizational levels from whole root systems to cellular modifications. From drought to hypoxia, plants have to endure a multitude of environmental stresses in nature and have developed highly specialized strategies to mitigate abiotic and biotic challenges. The authors underline the importance of understanding at a mechanistic level how root patterning and cell type composition can influence plant growth and resilience to environmental factors. Naturally, altering root development requires an intimate knowledge of the molecular players governing the root developmental program, including genetic and hormonal pathways. There is value in harnessing knowledge from biodiversity, in already existing root adaptations, and root form-function research can provide potentially transferable knowledge to benefit crop cultivation and plant conservation. (Summary by Marvin Jin @MarvinJYS) Plant Physiol. 10.1093/plphys/kiae586