Plants, as immobile organisms, depend on their roots to access soil
resources efficiently and cost-effectively. To achieve this goal as well
as develop more productive crops and adapt to variable challenging
conditions plants rely on root phenotypic plasticity. This includes
changes in root morphology, growth angles, diameter, elongation,
branching density, and rotation rate. In simpler terms, a plant root
system is a dynamic structure that can change its branching structure in
response to changes in biotic and abiotic conditions such as water
availability, soil mineral nutrient content, soil compaction, salinity,
and the formation of symbiotic relationships with other organisms or
anchored in the substrate. However, the complexity of these responses
and their impact on plant fitness are not well understood. In this
study, we have reviewed different aspects of the morphological
plasticity of the root system. The results show that root flexibility
can greatly help plant adaptation. Thus, gaining a comprehensive
understanding of root plasticity can lead to improved and sustainable
plant production.