Root biology never sleeps

Abstract

11th Symposium of the International Society of Root Research (ISRR11) and the 9th International Symposium on Root Development (Rooting2021), 24–28 May 2021. Emerging frontiers: root and rhizosphere research in the context of global environmental change. Natural ecosystems and agricultural production have been threatened by multifaceted global environmental changes. Soil degradation, extreme drought and flooding events, shifting climatic patterns and other challenges have prompted many disciplines within plant science to pivot to find solutions. Accordingly, root research has expanded from fundamental studies on roots, as providers of physical support, water, and essential nutrients uptake, towards identification of beneficial traits for stress adaptation and control of key biological soil processes. Advances in trait identification, data acquisition, management and modelling are enabling root researchers to develop predictive models to support ecosystems in these changing environments. Through technical presentations, posters, industry exhibits and a root phenotyping workshop, the international, jointly presented, completely virtual International Society of Root Research (ISRR)11/Rooting2021 meeting provided a unique platform for researchers across disciplines to share recent advances in root biology, from molecular to ecosystem-level scales, in agricultural and natural ecosystems, addressing critical questions in response to climate change and its impact on crop productivity and ecosystem services. In this report, the 2021 ISRR Ambassador cohort provides an overview of the current root research landscape and reflection on the importance of frontier research for a more sustainable future.