Vetiver grass model and phenomics of root system architecture

Tufted roots of the vetiver grass, Chrysopogon zizaniodes (L) Roberty have been in traditional use for cooling applications, and for its essential oil that is valued in perfumery industry. Lately, its deep penetrating roots have emerged as an eco-friendly candidate in environmental applications. Keeping in fitness with its biological potential a “vetiver grass model” for sequestration of atmospheric carbon into subsoil horizon to mitigate global warming likened to forest trees has earlier been proposed by the present author. With rising global interest in vetiver root system a need has been felt to explore diversity in its root architecture for its multifarious applications to make the vetiver plantations ecosystem sustainable and globally acceptable, necessitating identification or development of designer genotypes. Two different approaches are required to be adopted to implement Vetiver Grass Model for: (a) Industrial applications, or (b) Environmental applications. For industrial applications it is desirable to identify plant types that sport thicker roots with least lateral roots, lysigenous cavities containing higher number of essential oil secretary cells, shorter crop cycle and lower distillation period. For environmental applications the key requirements besides others are non-seeding habit and low essential oil in the roots to realize non-invasive feature and deterrence to uproot the plantations for its otherwise industrial utility. In addition, the root architecture for ecological plantations should be such that the roots are able to penetrate deep into the subsoil horizon to realize Carbon sequestration; impart high soil binding potential achievable through fast growing web forming tufted roots; realize high absorbance of toxic chemicals and metalloids for pollution mitigation; should have capacity to sustain high lysis in the cortical region for enhanced aeration to sustain its survival under submerged conditions. An illustrated account of phenomic diversity in root architecture vis-a-vis its prospective industrial and environmental applications is presented in support of Vetiver Grass Model.