  Optimization of crop production requires root systems to function in water
uptake, nutrient use, and anchorage. In maize, two types of nodal
roots-subterranean crown and aerial brace roots function in anchorage and water
uptake and preferentially express multiple water and nutrient transporters.
Brace root development shares genetic control with juvenile-to-adult phase
change and flowering time. We present a comprehensive list of the genes known
to alter brace roots and explore these as candidates for QTL studies in maize
and sorghum. Brace root development and function may be conserved in other
members of Poaceae, however research is limited. This work highlights the
critical knowledge gap of aerial nodal root development and function and
suggests new focus areas for breeding resilient crops.
