Thesis projects Root biology and physiology

Roots are anchoring the plant to the soil while serving as the primary organs for water and nutrient uptake. Genotypic variations in root anatomy, morphology or architecture have a profound impact on a plants ability to efficiently acquire these essential resources. These characteristics are also influenced by a variety of growth conditions, including soil properties, nutrient availability, abiotic and biotic factors, as well as the plants developmental stage. Especially climate change, with its increasing incidence of flooding and drought, is likely to have a significant impact on the availability and uptake of water and nutrients by plants roots. We combine omics-technologies with plant physiology approaches, to understand plant roots and their adaptation mechanisms to specific environments.