Bracing for sustainable agriculture: the development and function of brace roots in members of Poaceae

• Aerial nodal roots (brace roots) are important in plant anchorage and consequently lodging resistance. Genes known to influence brace also characterized alter the juvenile-to-adult phase change. Maize, sorghum, sugarcane, Setaria develop roots, however, studies of their development function remain limited. Optimization crop production requires root systems water uptake, nutrient use, anchorage. In maize, two types roots–subterranean crown aerial uptake preferentially express multiple transporters. Brace shares genetic control with change flowering time. We present a comprehensive list genes explore these as candidates for QTL maize sorghum. may be conserved other members Poaceae , however research is This work highlights critical knowledge gap suggests new focus areas breeding resilient crops.