Root architecture and root and tuber crop productivity

• We highlight the lack of knowledge about root architecture in root and tuber crop species.
• Lateral root development is related to yield determination in root and tuber crops.
• In sweet potatoes, lateral root development determines which roots will swell.

It is becoming increasingly evident that optimization of root architecture for resource capture is vital for enabling the next green revolution. Although cereals provide half of the calories consumed by humans, root and tuber crops are the second major source of carbohydrates globally. Yet, knowledge of root architecture in root and tuber species is limited. In this opinion article, we highlight what is known about the root system in root and tuber crops, and mark new research directions towards a better understanding of the relation between root architecture and yield. We believe that unraveling the role of root architecture in root and tuber crop productivity will improve global food security, especially in regions with marginal soil fertility and low-input agricultural systems.