Modeling Root Development of Rice (Oryza sativa L) under Varying Drought Stress

Abstract

In the current era, where drought occurrences are frequent and devastating, extensive study on drought tolerance mechanisms is imperative. Root growth under water stress is a key indicator of drought tolerance. Modeling a crop's root-length under such conditions aids in predicting seminal root length (SRL) and, consequently, its tolerance level. Under consecutive stress using Poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG), root length of a landrace originating from the drought-prone area of West Bengal, India was measured through image analysis and then mathematically modulated using an equation. The highest root length under stress was predicted at 6% PEG stress which aligned with the experimental readings. On the 15th day of stress, predicted SRL values were 104.67mm and experimental values were 90.00mm. Despite some over and underestimations with a low root mean square error of 14.68 mm, the equation provides insight into root elongation trends under various stress levels, offering a basis for predicting SRL and yield capabilities under water stress for diverse crop species.