Roots are a plant’s primary source of nutrient and water uptake, playing a vital role in growth, development and yield.  Despite their importance, almost no breeding or biotechnology has directly targeted optimization of root structure.  This is because optimization depends upon accurate, efficient phenotyping of root structure, which to date has been impossible.  Our RootXpose platform overcomes phenotyping barriers by enabling precise, high-throughput, cost-effective measurement of root structure.

RootXpose has enabled Grassroots to become a leader in root trait optimization.  We will combine our RootXpose phenotyping with data from field trials to determine which root traits improve yield and enhance agronomic productivity.  By exploiting recent advances in high-throughput sequencing and genotyping, RootXpose will allow us to map QTLs and clone genes underlying these beneficial root traits.

We are using the RootXpose platform to identify root trait genes, map root trait QTLs, and incorporate root phenotypes into genomic selection programs. Therefore, we offer both breeding and biotechnology solutions for root trait optimization.