Aus rice root architecture variation contributing to grain yield under drought suggests a key role of nodal root diameter class

The aus rice variety group originated in stress‐prone regions and is a promising source for the development of new stress‐tolerant rice cultivars. In this study, an aus panel (~220 genotypes) was evaluated in field trials under well‐watered and drought conditions and in the greenhouse (basket, herbicide and lysimeter studies) to investigate relationships between grain yield and root architecture, and to identify component root traits behind the composite trait of deep root growth. In the field trials, high and stable grain yield was positively related to high and stable deep root growth (r = 0.16), which may indicate response to within‐season soil moisture fluctuations (i.e., plasticity). When dissecting component traits related to deep root growth (including angle, elongation and branching), the number of nodal roots classified as 'large‐diameter' was positively related to deep root growth (r = 0.24), and showed the highest number of colocated genome‐wide association study (GWAS) peaks with grain yield under drought. The role of large‐diameter nodal roots in deep root growth may be related to their branching potential. Two candidate loci that colocated for yield and root traits were identified that showed distinct haplotype distributions between contrasting yield/stability groups and could be good candidates to contribute to rice improvement. Summary statement In exploring the relationships between root architecture and yield under drought in aus rice, nodal root diameter class stood out in both a path analysis linking early‐stage greenhouse studies with root growth in the field at later stages, as well in genome‐wide association study colocations with grain yield under drought.