GSE173272
Comparative transcriptomic analyses of Spring OilSeed Rape (SOSR)accessions in response to warm temperature.
Elevated growth temperatures are negatively affecting crop productivity and increasing yield losses. Root traits associated with improved adaptation to rising temperatures are a promising approach to generate new varieties better suited to face the environmental constrains caused by climate change. In this study, we identified various Brassica napus roots traits altered in response to warm temperature. Thus, different combination of changes in specific root traits results in an extended and deeper root system. This overall root growth expansion facilitates root adaptation by maximizing root-soil surface interaction and increasing its ability to explore extended soil areas. We associated these traits to coordinated cellular events, including changes in cell division and elongation rates, that drive the increase in root growth triggered by warm temperature. Comparative genome wide transcriptomic analysis revealed the main genetic determinants of these RSA changes and uncovered the necessity of a tight regulation of the heat shock stress response to adjust root growth to warm temperature. Our work provides a phenotypic, cellular and genetic framework of root response to warming temperatures that will help to harness root adaptation mechanisms for crop yield improvement under the future climatic scenario. Overall design: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of root tips from two selected accessions (Drakkar and Duplo) grown at optimal (21ºC) vs warm (29ºC) temperatures on a pouch and wick system.