Realizing the adaptive potential of root systems for climate resilience

Funding period: 2022–2024
Lead: Ian Major
Total GRDI funding: $74,681

The main objectives of this project are to develop tools and protocols that facilitate the study of root systems, whose adaptive potential to mitigate climate resilience remains largely unknown. These tools are to be used to examine root architecture, physiology, and molecular responses of roots in controlled and eventually, in field conditions. These tools will also facilitate the identification of marker genes for stress responses in tree roots.

The project will provide important foundational research for the contribution of root systems to the resilience of forests and, in the long term, will make it possible to integrate root systems to existing genomic toolkits for tree growth, wood development, pest and pathogen resistance, and climate resilience. This improved holistic understanding of tree resilience could benefit stakeholders in forestry, especially forest managers and tree breeders responsible for the selection of materials to improve the resilience of forests against future climate stresses.