Why a quantum leap in root research? Much has been reported on the potential of roots to improve crop yield and resilience under drought. However, most studies on roots have used time consuming methods to extricate roots from soil and assess the diff erences in length and density. This has limited their use in breeding because of a relatively low throughput, and fairly large experimental errors. Furthermore, the information on roots harvested at a single point in time only provides a snapshot of the roots at that particular time, ie, “static” data, which cannot help in defi ning the exact role of roots. Previously, it was assumed that deeper/more profuse roots would contribute to higher water uptake and then to higher yield. Yet, the relation between rooting and water uptake remains controversial.