The root system of plants is a fundamental part of their biology. Roots are the primary organ functioning in foraging and obtaining nutrients and water from the soil. The root system is also the first point of contact in response to biotic and abiotic stressors in the soil. However, root research under natural field conditions is an underexplored area of science, for primarily methodological reasons. Existing methods are tedious, time-consuming, and often provide less than accurate results. The incapacity to effectively and precisely phenotype large mapping populations precluded the wide-scale use of root-related genetic information in breeding.

This Method Collection aims to synthesize the development of advanced technologies in studying plant root systems and rhizosphere interactions. Recent advances in root-related methodologies, ranging from traditional excavation to modern non-destructive or non-invasive imaging technologies, including neutron radiography, X-ray computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ground-penetrating radar has significantly enhanced our ability to visualize, quantify and conceptualize root system architecture and rhizosphere interactions. We invite researchers conducting related protocols to contribute to this collection and help build a comprehensive resource for methods in plant root systems biology.