Root architecture and root and tuber crop productivity

•We highlight the lack of knowledge about root architecture in root and tuber crop species. •Lateral root development is related to yield determination in root and tuber crops. •In sweet potatoes, lateral root development determines which roots will swell. It is becoming increasingly evident that optimization of root architecture for resource capture is vital for enabling the next green revolution. Although cereals provide half of the calories consumed by humans, root and tuber crops are the second major source of carbohydrates globally. Yet, knowledge of root architecture in root and tuber species is limited. In this opinion article, we highlight what is known about the root system in root and tuber crops, and mark new research directions towards a better understanding of the relation between root architecture and yield. We believe that unraveling the role of root architecture in root and tuber crop productivity will improve global food security, especially in regions with marginal soil fertility and low-input agricultural systems. It is becoming increasingly evident that optimization of root architecture for resource capture is vital for enabling the next green revolution. Although cereals provide half of the calories consumed by humans, root and tuber crops are the second major source of carbohydrates globally. Yet, knowledge of root architecture in root and tuber species is limited. In this opinion article, we highlight what is known about the root system in root and tuber crops, and mark new research directions towards a better understanding of the relation between root architecture and yield. We believe that unraveling the role of root architecture in root and tuber crop productivity will improve global food security, especially in regions with marginal soil fertility and low-input agricultural systems. root arising from stems or leaves. cambial variant associated with anomalous secondary growth. used in reference to the unusual type of secondary growth associated with anomalous cambium formation; includes cambial growth that differs from the usual condition; that is, a vascular cambium that produces phloem externally and xylem internally. roots present at the junction of the stem and mother tuber or at the end of a vegetative stem cutting or propagule. a root system comprising many roots approximately equal in length and thickness, as found in grasses and many other monocotyledons. roots arising on tap roots or their branches or on adventitious roots; originate most commonly in the pericycle. a condition wherein the stele of the main or primary root is substantially impregnated with lignin; generally associated with reduced secondary growth in roots. a type of growth characterized by an increase in thickness of stem and root; results from the formation of secondary vascular tissues by the vascular cambium. roots that arise from the stolon–stem junction. roots that arise from nodes on stolons. root swelling as a result of secondary growth, usually comprising the formation of secondary vascular tissues from a vascular cambium and of periderm from phellogen. a swollen, fleshy, underground stem bearing buds from which new plant shoots arise. roots that arise on tubers. lateral meristem that produces secondary vascular tissue; associated with secondary growth in stems and roots.