Linking root functioning and rhizosphere associations to drought tolerance in cassava by using stable isotope techniques.

Following a strong knowledge gap on the cassava physiology, there is a large potential to further enhance the production under droughts. Our expertise on crop root functioning will be used to explore the mechanisms of drought tolerance in cassava. Genotypic variations in root architecture, root anatomy, and root-mycorrhizae associations will be explored by comparing root traits and drought responses to stable isotope compositions (1H/2H, 12C/13C, 16O/18O) in different tissue parts. This will enhance insight in the mechanism of drought tolerance and will facilitate recommendations to cassava breeders and enhance the development of inoculation techniques.

Keywords:Cassava, Drought toleranc, Root architecture, Root anatomy, Mycorrhizae

Disciplines:Sustainable agriculture