Root: From Signaling to Morphogenesis

Dear Colleagues,

Roots are plant organs that not only provide structural support to the aerial part of the plant, i.e., stem and leaves, but also ensure efficient and selective uptake of water and nutrients essential for plant growth. Moreover, the roots are involved in the synthesis of phytohormones and in the accumulation of reserve substances. All these functions are facilitated by the correct morphological and anatomical structure of the root, which arises both from the activity of the apical meristem and from the patterning and differentiation of specific tissues with distinct activities. It is known that the roots are very plastic organs, as plants are sessile organisms and can adapt to ever-changing environmental cues, within certain limits. In fact, although root morphogenesis is guided by a genetic program, the final configuration of a root system is largely determined by environmental factors, including biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, the morphogenesis and all aspects of root development are profoundly controlled and regulated by various phytohormone signals, with auxin, cytokinins, and ethylene playing a major role. However, the signaling network involved in the modulation of root morphogenesis is still an intense and wide area of research.

The goal of this Special Issue of Plants is to highlight some of the more interesting aspects of root morphogenesis, development, and signaling, also describing recent molecular genetics and imaging approaches that are likely to advance our understanding to full root organ. Particular emphasis can also be given to the differences and/or similarities in genetic and hormonal control in the different types of roots—primary, lateral, and adventitious roots.

We invite authors to submit original research, review, and opinion papers for this Special Issue, including a span of topics ranging from fundamental aspects of root anatomy and development to the mechanisms of adaptation of this important organ to different environmental stresses.

Dr. Federica Della Rovere
Dr. Diego Piacentini
Guest Editors

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• root development and architecture
• hormonal signaling crosstalk
• root exudate signals in plant–plant communication
• plasticity of root systems
• root and biotic/abiotic stresses
• root meristem