The Root Development Strategies of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes Under Well-Watered and Drought-Stressed Conditions

The root development strategies of individual varieties are key factors in adaptability. In our experiment, the root morphological characteristics of three winter wheat varieties were examined at specific soil depths of 30, 60, and 90 cm throughout the growing season using the CI-600 in situ root scanner. Plants were grown under optimal water supply and simulated drought conditions. After maturity, a complete biomass and yield analysis was conducted, and the connection between the root structure and production biology parameters was evaluated. There were considerable differences in the root structure among the varieties. The root length of Mv-Kolompos remained stable in the upper and middle soil layers even under water shortage. Mv-Verbunkos had an extensive root system, but the roots were concentrated in the upper soil layers and showed growth in this layer under drought conditions. The root length and surface of the Aura variety were lower than those of the other two varieties; however, the lateral roots of this genotype rapidly reached the deeper soil layers. However, even with regulated root development, this variety was unable to offset the negative effects of drought, and both biomass production and yield decreased significantly as a result of water shortage.