Roots Lab
The overall research focus of the Roots Lab at Penn State is understanding the genetic, physiological, and ecological basis of plant adaptation to drought and low soil fertility.
Since most soils on earth suffer from drought and one or more nutritional problems, this subject is of considerable importance for two of the great challenges confronting humanity: how to sustainably support over 7 billion people, and how to deal with global environmental change. More about the Roots Lab ...
Our work involves a number of students and colleagues at Penn State, and collaborators from other institutions. Dr. Kathleen Brown and Dr. Jonathan Lynch are close collaborators on virtually all aspects of the research.
Latest Publications
February 9, 2021
Silencing the alarm: an insect salivary enzyme closes plant stomata and inhibits volatile release
Caterpillars can close leaf stomata, thereby reducing plant defense mechanisms
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February 9, 2021
Plant roots sense soil compaction through restricted ethylene diffusion
Ethylene stops root growth through hard soil
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February 9, 2021
Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma enhance root penetration in compacted soils
Multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma (MCS) is a root anatomical phenotype in maize, wheat, and other cereals with utility in environments with mechanical impedance.
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December 23, 2020
Nodal root diameter and node number in maize (Zea mays L.) interact to influence plant growth under nitrogen stress
We identify nodal root phenotypes that improve growth of maize under suboptimal nitrogen availability
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