FIGURE 4.

Effect of increasing temperature and associated abiotic stresses on root growth. In the field, the increase in temperatures driven by climate change is normally accompanied by water deprivation provoked by enhanced evapotranspiration of the soil and plants. Moreover, increased soil salinization and changes in the nutrient composition of the soil further compromise plant growth. Roots are essential for water, ions and nutrient uptake therefore the adverse effects on roots of these combined stresses as is summarized in this figure, directly affects crop productivity on the field. New crops with improved root response to a variety of biotic and biotic stresses will be needed to maintain yield stability under the changeable environmental conditions driven by climate change.