We’re excited to release the second episode of the Root2Res Podcast, where we take a closer look at two key concepts in plant breeding: root ideotypes and plasticity. These terms are sometimes seen as contradictory, but in this episode, we explore how they can work together to create more resilient and adaptive crops in the face of climate change.
In this episode, our guests Doris Vetterlein from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, Germany and Pete Berry from ADAS, UK join Laura Kemper, from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, to discuss what ideotypes are and how they function in specific environments.
They also dive into the concept of plasticity, a key mechanism that allows plants to adapt to changing conditions. The conversation unpacks the challenges of breeding for resilience in an unpredictable climate.
Learn about Root2Res objectives and partnership
Listen to the podcast here:
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Further Resources
To support this episode, we’ve gathered key materials to help you explore these concepts in depth:
- Priority list of root/rhizosphere ideotype traits (Deliverable 1.1)
- Statistical evaluation for plasticity & experimental systems (Deliverable 5.1)
- How to calculate root phenotypic plasticity (Practice abstract)
- Studying root plasticity under controlled conditions (Practice abstract)
- Roots in policy: Encouraging breeding for root-related traits (Practice abstract)
- Root2Res on Cordis