In order to stand firmly and efficiently uptake water and nutrients, plants need complex root stock architectures

In order to stand firmly and efficiently uptake water and nutrients, plants need complex root stock architectures. The root system in maize is characterized by different root types, each of which contributes to the development and establishment of plants in a distinctive manner. During very early development, the embryonic primary and seminal roots are predominant, together with their post-embryonic lateral roots. These embryonic roots become dispensable later on in the development, when a broad post-embryonic shoot-borne root system forms the majority of the mature root stock. (Hochholdinger et al 2004b). Shoot-borne roots are formed at each consecutive node of the shoot and are called crown roots when they grow from nodes that reside under the soil line, while they are called brace roots when they grow from above ground nodes. Among the different root types, crown and brace roots provide standability and support to plants, while lateral roots provide the major surface water and nutrient uptake.