Plant roots play a vital role in water and mineral acquisition, and are essential for plant growth and development. Under conditions of drought, roots can adapt to continue growth while at the same time producing and sending early warning signals to shoots which inhibit plant growth above ground. The plant root system, often referred to as "the hidden half," has received much less attention compared to the shoot. We have formed a Plant Root Genomics Consortium dedicated to root genetics and physiology. The aim of this consortium is to develop an understanding of the molecular mechanisms used by plant roots to acquire water and minerals from the soil, to elucidate the role roots play in adaptation to drought conditions, and to transfer this knowledge to crop improvement through biotechnology.