Compelling fossil evidence revealed that roots evolved in a stepwise manner and independently in Lycophytes and Euphyllophytes. Lateral root branching appeared in euphyllophyte (Equisetopsida, ferns and lignophytes) lineage during the middle Devonian and early carboniferous periods. In this project, we aim to unravel the molecular basis underpinning lateral root founder cell specification using Equisetum arvense and Ceratopteris richardii as model systems.