Robert Sharp insights on root growth under drought

By Blake Jackson

Plant roots, often referred to as the "hidden half" of plants, play a crucial role in their growth and survival. Despite the challenges of studying underground root systems, significant advancements have been made in understanding their development and function.

Robert Sharp, a Curators' Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri, has dedicated his career to researching root biology. His work has focused on how roots enable plants to persist under drought conditions.

“Root systems are composed of many thousands of roots that form networks extending deep into the soil,” Sharp said. “From detecting and seeking out water and nutrients to maintaining the strong foundation plant shoots depend on to grow upward, roots play a vital role in a plant’s growth and survival.”

Sharp's research has uncovered key discoveries in root growth and development, including:

• Root/shoot growth ratio: Roots continue to grow under drought conditions while shoot growth slows down, allowing plants to conserve energy and resources.
• Cell expansion: Roots exhibit remarkable resilience by enhancing their cell expansion processes, enabling them to grow even in dehydrated tissues.
• Osmotic adjustment: Roots accumulate solutes to regulate water content and maintain hydration during drought.
• Hydrotropism: Roots can sense and grow towards water sources.
• Growth-regulating hormones: The hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in maintaining root growth under drought conditions.

“Drought is recognized as the most damaging environmental factor for crop production worldwide,” Sharp said. “It’s a global problem, and in Missouri, most years somewhere in the state experiences severe drought conditions, so research on root development and function is vital to help farmers prepare for and recover from droughts.”

Sharp's research has been conducted in collaboration with other scientists at the University of Missouri and beyond.

The Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) at Mizzou has played a vital role in fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration in plant biology.

Sharp's leadership of the IPG has helped to create a supportive environment for researchers and has contributed to the success of the field.

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