The plant root system is earmarked as key to the next green revolution, one that will require fewer inputs, involve minimal fertilizer losses and ensure environmental sustainability. We investigated root morphology, field root growth and grain yield of the Pavon76 bread wheat - rye (1RS) translocation lines Pavon761RS.1AL, Pavon761RS.1BL and Pavon761RS.1DL in 2010-11 and 2011-12. The 1RS translocation lines had significantly longer roots, with larger surface area at physiological maturity. Under field conditions, the translocation lines 1RS.1AL and 1RS.1BL had higher root biomass than Pavon76 in the top and bottom 40cm soil profile depths. The 1RS translocations also had significantly higher root biomass than Pavon76 under synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer, low organic N and zero N fertilizer. Mean genotype grain yields ranged from 4.07 -3.76 Mg ha^-1 and were significantly lower for the  Pavon761RS.1AL line. The higher root biomass and grain yield of genotypes with the 1RS translocations than the parent line Pavon76 under field conditions could be exploited by wheat breeders selecting for superior root traits accompanied by yield improvements.