This book was written for me and all who research and believe that crop design for the 21st Century in a changing and more unpredictable climate requires far greater prioritization be given to achieving a better understanding of root biology and a capability to manipulate plant genomes to improve their function. An impressive selection of very well-regarded researchers world-wide have contributed to this book to assemble what I believe is the most up-to-date and comprehensive report of the current knowledge on crop root genetics. Whilst detailing the knowledge that is available, its detail emphasizes the knowledge that isn't and is still out there waiting to be discovered. The aim was ‘to show how root research relates to sustainable crop productivity’. The book does not address all areas, omitting roles of roots for environmental services, such as modifying soil structures for improved hydrology and its extremely important role in C-sequestration. I would encourage the editors to follow up on these and related subjects. Nevertheless diverse areas are covered well, ranging from the comparative genetics of model plant genomes and genome synteny to the major crop species including both monocots and dicots. Topics covered well include root genetics for resistance to a range of abiotic stresses and the more holistic research areas of genomics of root-microbe interactions and root exudate production. Phenotyping for root traits was included, which of course has been a major obstacle in crop improvement. It is essential that the advances in root genomics are matched equally with improved high-throughput and precise technologies in crop phenotyping.

Unfortunately the index does not really work but this should not dissuade any experienced crop geneticist from purchase of this highly informative and comprehensive tome.