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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.05.704061

Maize root system stiffness is determined by the size and distribution of the below-ground root system

Hostetler, A. N.·Pierce, E.·Reneau, J. W.·Griffin, D.·Sparks, E. E.
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Abstract

Root system stiffness is a measurement associated with root lodging resistance in maize. This measurement combines contributions of root architecture, individual root-level mechanics, and root-soil interactions. In this study, we deconvolve the contribution of each of these factors to root system stiffness. Collectively, larger above- and below-ground root systems and stiffer individual brace roots contribute to a higher root system stiffness. When considering all traits in predictive models, the below-ground root architecture drives the prediction of root system stiffness categories. These below-ground traits describe the size and distribution of the root system. Analysis of a roothairless3 mutant revealed a reduction in root system stiffness primarily driven by a reduction in root size, with limited evidence for a contribution from root hairs. Together these results link root system stiffness to the size and distribution of the below-ground root system and highlight the importance of this measurement for both root lodging resistance and root phenotyping.

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Hostetler, A. N., Pierce, E., Reneau, J. W., Griffin, D., Sparks, E. E.. 2026-02-07. Maize root system stiffness is determined by the size and distribution of the below-ground root system. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.05.704061

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