Dissecting the genetic basis of natural variation in root and shoot architecture as basis for breeding climate-resilient barley

As climate change accelerates, it is becoming increasingly urgent to enhance crop resilience to extreme conditions such as drought and flooding. This project focuses on identifying genes in wild barley and traditional landraces that improve performance under varying water levels. By studying diverse root and shoot traits in different watering conditions, we aim to uncover the natural strategies that enable plant survival. These insights will help develop future barley varieties that can thrive in a wide range of challenging environmental conditions, including drought and well-watered conditions. Ultimately, this research will contribute to securing crop performance even in suboptimal growing conditions.