Phosphorus deficiency affects the allocation of below-ground resources to combined cluster roots and nodules in Lupinus albus

Overexpression of GmPAP4 Enhances Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation and Seed Yield in Soybean under Phosphorus-Deficient Condition

Legume crops establish symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), a process that provides a prominent natural nitrogen source in agroecosystems; and efficient nodulation and nitrogen fixation processes require a large amount of phosphorus (P). Here, a role of GmPAP4, a nodule-localized purple acid phosphatase, in BNF and seed yield was functionally characterized in whole transgenic soybean (Glycine max) plants under a P-limited condition. GmPAP4 was specifically expressed in the infection zones of soybean nodules and its expression was greatly induced in low P stress. Altered expression of GmPAP4 significantly affected soybean nodulation, BNF, and yield under the P-deficient condition. Nodule number, nodule fresh weight, nodule nitrogenase, APase activities, and nodule total P content were significantly increased in GmPAP4 overexpression (OE) lines. Structural characteristics revealed by toluidine blue staining showed that overexpression of GmPAP4 resulted in a larger infection area than wild-type (WT) control. Moreover, the plant biomass and N and P content of shoot and root in GmPAP4 OE lines were also greatly improved, resulting in increased soybean yield in the P-deficient condition. Taken together, our results demonstrated that GmPAP4, a purple acid phosphatase, increased P utilization efficiency in nodules under a P-deficient condition and, subsequently, enhanced symbiotic BNF and seed yield of soybean.

Stoichiometric homeostasis of N:P ratio drives species-specific symbiotic N fixation inhibition under N addition

Introduction

Symbiotic N fixation inhibition induced by N supply to legumes is potentially regulated by the relative N and P availability in soil. However, the specific responses of different legume species to changes in N:P availability remain unclear, and must be better understood to optimize symbiotic N fixation inputs under N enrichment. This study investigated mechanisms by which soil N and P supply influence the symbiotic N fixation of eight legume species, to quantify the inter-specific differences, and to demonstrate how these differences can be determined by the stoichiometric homeostasis in N:P ratios (HN:P).

Methods

Eight herbaceous legume species were grown separately in outdoor pots and treated with either no fertilizer (control), N fertilizer (14 g N m-2), P fertilizer (3.5 g P m-2) or both N and P fertilizer. Plant nutrients, stoichiometric characteristics, root biomass, non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), rhizosphere chemistry, P mobilization, root nodulation and symbiotic N fixation were measured.

Results

N addition enhanced rhizosphere P mobilization but drove a loss of root biomass and root NSC via exudation of P mobilization compound (organic acid), especially so in treatments without P addition. N addition also induced a 2-14% or 14-36% decline in symbiotic N fixation per plant biomass by legumes in treatments with or without P addition, as a result of decreasing root biomass and root NSC. The changes in symbiotic N fixation were positively correlated with stoichiometric homeostasis of N:P ratios in intact plants without root nodules, regardless of P additions.

Discussion

This study indicates that N addition can induce relative P limitations for growth, which can stimulate rhizosphere P mobilization at the expense of root biomass and carbohydrate concentrations, reducing symbiotic N fixation in legumes. Legume species that had less changes in plant N:P ratio, such as Lespedeza daurica and Medicago varia maintained symbiotic N fixation to a greater extent under N addition.

Nitrogen fixation capacity and metabolite responses to phosphorus in soybean nodules

Phosphorus (P) is necessary for nitrogen fixation in the root nodules of soybeans, a symbiotic process whereby plants support bacterial nitrogen fixation to obtain nitrogen needed for plant growth. Nitrogen accumulation, quantity, weight, specific nitrogenase activity (SNA) and acetylene reduction activity (ARA) of root soybean nodules were analyzed, using a broadly targeted metabolomics method incorporating liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to study the effects of P level (1, 11, 31, 61 mg/L denoted by P1, P11, P31, P61) on the types and abundance of various metabolites and on the expression of associated metabolic pathways in soybean root nodules. Nitrogen accumulation, quantity, weight, SNA and ARA of root nodules were inhibited by P stress. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that root nodules responded to P stress by increasing the number of amino acids and derivatives. Down-regulation of ABA, phosphorylcholine, and D-glucose 6-phosphate affected carotenoid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism and sugar metabolism which inhibited nodule nitrogen fixation under P stress. More flavonoids were involved in metabolic processes in soybean root nodules under P stress that regulated the nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The pathway ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and associated metabolites, were involved in the adaptation of the symbiotic soybean root nodule system to P starvation. This work provides a foundation for future investigations of physiological mechanisms that underly phosphorus stress on soybeans.

Roles of non-coding RNAs in the hormonal and nutritional regulation in nodulation and nitrogen fixation

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is an important component in the nitrogen cycle and is a potential solution for sustainable agriculture. It is the result of the interactions between the plant host, mostly restricted to legume species, and the rhizobial symbiont. From the first encounter between the host and the symbiont to eventual successful nitrogen fixation, there are delicate processes involved, such as nodule organogenesis, rhizobial infection thread progression, differentiation of the bacteroid, deregulation of the host defense systems, and reallocation of resources. All these processes are tightly regulated at different levels. Recent evidence revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), participate in these processes by controlling the transcription and translation of effector genes. In general, ncRNAs are functional transcripts without translation potential and are important gene regulators. MiRNAs, negative gene regulators, bind to the target mRNAs and repress protein production by causing the cleavage of mRNA and translational silencing. LncRNAs affect the formation of chromosomal loops, DNA methylation, histone modification, and alternative splicing to modulate gene expression. Both lncRNAs and circRNAs could serve as target mimics of miRNA to inhibit miRNA functions. In this review, we summarized and discussed the current understanding of the roles of ncRNAs in legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation in the root nodule, mainly focusing on their regulation of hormone signal transduction, the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway and nutrient homeostasis in nodules. Unraveling the mediation of legume nodulation by ncRNAs will give us new insights into designing higher-performance leguminous crops for sustainable agriculture.

Impact of phosphorous-deficit conditions on morpho-physiological traits and phosphorous metabolism in chickpea genotypes

Chickpea, an important food legume, is primarily grown on marginal soils with low soil fertility. Although chickpea can fix N, soil phosphorus (P) deficiency in crop growing areas is a major limiting factor for chickpea production. This study was undertaken to evaluate twenty-five chickpea cultivars for morpho-physiological traits and yield under low and normal phosphorous conditions. Based on morpho-physiological traits such as length and area of roots and shoots, root length density, root and shoot biomass, chlorophyll content, number of nodules and root tips, tolerance indices and yield, these cultivars were characterised into susceptible (ICC67, ICC1915, ICC2593, ICC5337, ICC5879, ICC8950, ICC13441, ICC1483, ICC15606 and ICC15888), tolerant (ICC10755, IG72070, ICCV97105, ICCV2, ICCV92809, ICCV92337 and ICCV95423) and the remaining cultivars were moderately tolerant to phosphorous-deficit conditions. Higher activities of enzymes of phosphorous metabolism such as acid phosphatase and phytase in roots and nodules of tolerant chickpea cultivars (ICCV97105, ICCV92337, ICCV95423) as compared to susceptible cultivars (ICC67, ICC15606, ICC15888) at different developmental stages might be attributing to their better performance for growth parameters and productivity traits under phosphorous-deficit conditions.

Increased nodular P level induced by intercropping stimulated nodulation in soybean under phosphorus deficiency

Low P availability is a vital constraint for nodulation and efficient N2 fixation of legume, including soybean. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in nodule adaption to low P availability under legume/cereal intercropping systems, two experiments consisting of three cropping patterns (monocropped soybean, monocropped maize, soybean/maize intercropping) were studied under both sufficient- and deficient-P levels. Our results demonstrated that intercropped soybean with maize showed a higher nodulation and N2 fixation efficiency under low P availability than monocropped soybean as evidenced by improvement in the number, dry weight and nitrogenase activity of nodules. These differences might be attributed to increase in P level in intercropping-induced nodules under low P supply, which was caused by the elevated activities of phytase and acid phosphatases in intercropping-induced nodules. Additionally, the enhanced expression of phytase gene in nodules supplied with deficient P level coincided with an increase in phytase and acid phosphatase activities. Our results revealed a mechanism for how intercropped maize stimulated nodulation and N2 fixation of soybean under P deficient environments, where enhanced synthesis of phytase and acid phosphatases in intercropping-induced nodules, and stimulated nodulation and N2 fixation.

Nodulating white lupins take advantage of the reciprocal interplay between N and P nutritional responses

The low bioavailability of nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), is one of the most limiting factors for crop production. In this study, under N- and P-free nutrient solution (-N-P), nodulating white lupin plants developed some nodules and analogous cluster root structures characterized by different morphological, physiological, and molecular responses than those observed upon single nutrient deficiency (strong acidification of external media, a better nutritional status than -N+P and +N-P plants). The multi-elemental analysis highlighted that the concentrations of nutrients in white lupin plants were mainly affected by P availability. Gene-expression analyses provided evidence of interconnections between N and P nutritional pathways that are active to promote N and P balance in plants. The root exudome was mainly characterized by N availability in nutrient solution, and, in particular, the absence of N and P in the nutrient solution triggered a high release of phenolic compounds, nucleosides monophosphate and saponines by roots. These morphological, physiological, and molecular responses result from a close interplay between N and P nutritional pathways. They contribute to the good development of nodulating white lupin plants when grown on N- and P-free media. This study provides evidence that limited N and P availability in the nutrient solution can promote white lupin-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis, which is favourable for the sustainability of legume production.

Altering Nitrogen Sources Affects Growth Carbon Costs in Vachellia nilotica Growing in Nutrient-Deficient Grassland Soils

Vachellianilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del. is a multipurpose leguminous tree that is common in grassland and savanna ecosystems in southern and eastern Africa. These ecosystem soils are reported to be acidic and nutrient-limited, specifically with regards to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The presence of this plant in these terrestrial ecosystems improves soil fertility benefiting the surrounding vegetation due to its ability to fix atmospheric N. This study seeks to understand the N-fixing bacteria symbiosis and physiological adaptations of V. nilotica in these acidic and nutrient-deficient KwaZulu-Natal soils. The soils used for this study were collected from the Ukulinga Grassland Nutrient Experiment located at the Ukulinga research farm of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Due to long-term soil nutrient addition treatments, these soils offered a diverse nutrient variation for better understanding the effects of acidity and nutrient variation on microbial symbiosis, plant nutrition, and biomass accumulation of V. nilotica. V. nilotica was able to maintain growth by relying on both atmospheric and soil-derived N across all treatments decreasing carbon (C) growth costs. There was an increased reliance on atmospheric-derived N of un-nodulated high N-treated plants. The plants grown in high N + P soils were able to nodulate with various species from the Mesorhizobium genus, which resulted in increased biomass compared to other plants. The results of this study show that V. nilotica can alter N sources to reduce C growth costs. In addition, both nodulating and free-living soil N₂ fixing bacteria such as Caulobacter rhizosphaerae, Sphingomonas sp. and Burkholderia contaminans identified in the experimental soils may play an important role under P-deficient conditions.

Differentially expressed microRNAs that target functional genes in mature soybean nodules

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of biological functions in plants. To find out what roles miRNAs play in regulating symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], we identified high-confidence differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs from uninoculated roots (UR), rhizobium-inoculated roots (IR), and nodules (NODs) of soybean by robust small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq). Based on their predicted target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), the expression profiles of some of these DE miRNAs could be linked to nodule functions. In particular, several miRNAs associated with nutrient transportation genes were differentially expressed in IRs and mature NODs. MiR399b, specifically, was highly induced in IRs and NODs, as well as by inorganic phosphate (Pi) starvation. In composite soybean plants overexpressing miR399b, PHOSPHATE2 (PHO2), a known target of miR399b that inhibits the activities of high-affinity Pi transporters, was strongly repressed. In addition, the overexpression of miR399b in the roots of transgenic composite plants significantly improved whole-plant Pi and ureide concentrations and the overall growth in terms of leaf node numbers and whole-plant dry weight. Our findings suggest that the induction of miR399b in NODs could enhance nitrogen fixation and soybean growth, possibly via improving Pi uptake to achieve a better Pi-nitrogen balance to promote SNF in nodules.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Interplay in Lupin Root Nodules and Cluster Roots

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are two major plant nutrients, and their deficiencies often limit plant growth and crop yield. The uptakes of N or P affect each other, and consequently, understanding N-P interactions is fundamental. Their signaling mechanisms have been studied mostly separately, and integrating N-P interactive regulation is becoming the aim of some recent works. Lupins are singular plants, as, under N and P deficiencies, they are capable to develop new organs, the N2-fixing symbiotic nodules, and some species can also transform their root architecture to form cluster roots, hundreds of short rootlets that alter their metabolism to induce a high-affinity P transport system and enhance synthesis and secretion of organic acids, flavonoids, proteases, acid phosphatases, and proton efflux. These modifications lead to mobilization in the soil of, otherwise unavailable, P. White lupin (Lupinus albus) represents a model plant to study cluster roots and for understanding plant acclimation to nutrient deficiency. It tolerates simultaneous P and N deficiencies and also enhances uptake of additional nutrients. Here, we present the structural and functional modifications that occur in conditions of P and N deficiencies and lead to the organogenesis and altered metabolism of nodules and cluster roots. Some known N and P signaling mechanisms include different factors, including phytohormones and miRNAs. The combination of the individual N and P mechanisms uncovers interactive regulation pathways that concur in nodules and cluster roots. L. albus interlinks N and P recycling processes both in the plant itself and in nature.

Functional Analysis of the Phosphate Transporter Gene MtPT6 From Medicago truncatula

Phosphorus is one of the essential macronutrients required by plant growth and development, but phosphate resources are finite and diminishing rapidly because of the huge need in global agriculture. In this study, 11 genes were found in the Phosphate Transporter 1 (PHT1) family of Medicago truncatula. Seven genes of the PHT1 family were available by qRT-PCR. Most of them were expressed in roots, and almost all genes were induced by low-phosphate stress in the nodule. The expression of MtPT6 was relatively high in nodules and induced by low-phosphate stress. The fusion expression of MtPT6 promoter-GUS gene in M. truncatula suggested that the expression of MtPT6 was induced in roots and nodules by phosphate starvation. In roots, MtPT6 was mainly expressed in vascular tissue and tips, and it was also expressed in cortex under low-phosphate stress; in nodules, it was mainly expressed in vascular bundles, cortical cells, and fixation zone cells. MtPT6 had a close relationship with other PHT1 family members according to amino acid alignment and phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization analysis in tobacco revealed that MtPT6 protein was localized to the plasma membrane. The heterologous expression of MtPT6 in Arabidopsis knockout mutants of pht1.1 and pht1.4 made seedlings more susceptible to arsenate treatment, and the phosphate concentrations in pht1.1 were higher in high phosphate condition by expressing MtPT6. We conclude that MtPT6 is a typical phosphate transporter gene and can promote phosphate acquisition efficiency of plants.

Lanthanum nitrate improves phosphorus-use efficiency and tolerance to phosphorus-deficiency stress in Vigna angularis seedlings

Here, we examined the effects of La³⁺ on growth, photosynthetic ability, and phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE) in various organs of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) seedlings. La³⁺ substantially alleviated P-deficiency symptoms. Treatment of young seedlings with La³⁺ at 150 mg L^-1 effectively improved PUE in roots, stems, and leaves via the regulation of root elongation and activation of root physiological responses to P-deficiency, e.g., root activity and acid phosphatase (APase) activity. Root hydraulic conductivity (L_p) was also examined to elucidate the role of La³⁺ in the relationship between water and nutrition transport. We confirmed that La³⁺ increased the level of antioxidant protective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), while it significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The use of La³⁺ to reduce photosynthesis damage under P-deficiency was examined. The negative effects of P-deficiency on net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m), and chlorophyll content in leaves were alleviated by La³⁺ treatment. These results clarify the regulatory functions of La³⁺ in stress tolerance and P utilization in adzuki bean seedlings.

Metabolomics and Transcriptomics in Legumes Under Phosphate Deficiency in Relation to Nitrogen Fixation by Root Nodules

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency is a critical environmental constraint that affects the growth and development of several legume crops that are usually cultivated in semi-arid regions and marginal areas. Pi deficiency is known to be a significant limitation for symbiotic nitrogen (N2) fixation (SNF), and variability in SNF is strongly interlinked with the concentrations of Pi in the nodules. To deal with Pi deficiency, plants trigger various adaptive responses, including the induction and secretion of acid phosphatases, maintenance of Pi homeostasis in nodules and other organs, and improvement of oxygen (O2) consumption per unit of nodule mass. These molecular and physiological responses can be observed in terms of changes in growth, photosynthesis, and respiration. In this mini review, we provide a brief introduction to the problem of Pi deficiency in legume crops. We then summarize the current understanding of how Pi deficiency is regulated in legumes by changes in the transcriptomes and metabolomes found in different plant organs. Finally, we will provide perspectives on future directions for research in this field.

Interaction and Regulation of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Metabolisms in Root Nodules of Legumes

Members of the plant family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) are unique in that they have evolved a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia (a group of soil bacteria that can fix atmospheric nitrogen). Rhizobia infect and form root nodules on their specific host plants before differentiating into bacteroids, the symbiotic form of rhizobia. This complex relationship involves the supply of C₄-dicarboxylate and phosphate by the host plants to the microsymbionts that utilize them in the energy-intensive process of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, which is in turn made available to the host plants as a source of nitrogen, a macronutrient for growth. Although nitrogen-fixing bacteroids are no longer growing, they are metabolically active. The symbiotic process is complex and tightly regulated by both the host plants and the bacteroids. The metabolic pathways of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate are heavily regulated in the host plants, as they need to strike a fine balance between satisfying their own needs as well as those of the microsymbionts. A network of transporters for the various metabolites are responsible for the trafficking of these essential molecules between the two partners through the symbiosome membrane (plant-derived membrane surrounding the bacteroid), and these are in turn regulated by various transcription factors that control their expressions under different environmental conditions. Understanding this complex process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation is vital in promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing soil fertility.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of nodules of two Mesorhizobium-chickpea associations with differential symbiotic efficiency under phosphate deficiency

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency is known to be a major limitation for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), and hence legume crop productivity globally. However, very little information is available on the adaptive mechanisms, particularly in the important legume crop chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), which enable nodules to respond to low-Pi availability. Thus, to elucidate these mechanisms in chickpea nodules at molecular level, we used an RNA sequencing approach to investigate transcriptomes of the nodules in Mesorhizobium mediterraneum SWRI9-(MmSWRI9)-chickpea and M. ciceri CP-31-(McCP-31)-chickpea associations under Pi-sufficient and Pi-deficient conditions, of which the McCP-31-chickpea association has a better SNF capacity than the MmSWRI9-chickpea association during Pi starvation. Our investigation revealed that more genes showed altered expression patterns in MmSWRI9-induced nodules than in McCP-31-induced nodules (540 vs. 225) under Pi deficiency, suggesting that the Pi-starvation-more-sensitive MmSWRI9-induced nodules required expression change in a larger number of genes to cope with low-Pi stress than the Pi-starvation-less-sensitive McCP-31-induced nodules. The functional classification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was examined to gain an understanding of how chickpea nodules respond to Pi starvation, caused by soil Pi deficiency. As a result, more DEGs involved in nodulation, detoxification, nutrient/ion transport, transcriptional factors, key metabolic pathways, Pi remobilization and signalling were found in Pi-starved MmSWRI9-induced nodules than in Pi-starved McCP-31-induced nodules. Our findings have enabled the identification of molecular processes that play important roles in the acclimation of nodules to Pi deficiency, ultimately leading to the development of Pi-efficient chickpea symbiotic associations suitable for Pi-deficient soils.

Identification of putative QTLs for seedling stage phosphorus starvation response in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) by association mapping and cross species synteny analysis

A germplasm assembly of 128 finger millet genotypes from 18 countries was evaluated for seedling-stage phosphorus (P) responses by growing them in P sufficient (Psuf) and P deficient (Pdef) treatments. Majority of the genotypes showed adaptive responses to low P condition. Based on phenotype behaviour using the best linear unbiased predictors for each trait, genotypes were classified into, P responsive, low P tolerant and P non-responsive types. Based on the overall phenotype performance under Pdef, 10 genotypes were identified as low P tolerants. The low P tolerant genotypes were characterised by increased shoot and root length and increased root hair induction with longer root hairs under Pdef, than under Psuf. Association mapping of P response traits using mixed linear models revealed four quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Two QTLs (qLRDW.1 and qLRDW.2) for low P response affecting root dry weight explained over 10% phenotypic variation. In silico synteny analysis across grass genomes for these QTLs identified putative candidate genes such as Ser-Thr kinase and transcription factors such as WRKY and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH). The QTLs for response under Psuf were mapped for traits such as shoot dry weight (qHSDW.1) and root length (qHRL.1). Putative associations of these QTLs over the syntenous regions on the grass genomes revealed proximity to cytochrome P450, phosphate transporter and pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) genes. This is the first report of the extent of phenotypic variability for P response in finger millet genotypes during seedling-stage, along with the QTLs and putative candidate genes associated with P starvation tolerance.

Adaptation of the symbiotic Mesorhizobium-chickpea relationship to phosphate deficiency relies on reprogramming of whole-plant metabolism

Low inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability is a major constraint for efficient nitrogen fixation in legumes, including chickpea. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in nodule acclimation to low Pi availability, two Mesorhizobium-chickpea associations exhibiting differential symbiotic performances, Mesorhizobium ciceri CP-31 (McCP-31)-chickpea and Mesorhizobium mediterranum SWRI9 (MmSWRI9)-chickpea, were comprehensively studied under both control and low Pi conditions. MmSWRI9-chickpea showed a lower symbiotic efficiency under low Pi availability than McCP-31-chickpea as evidenced by reduced growth parameters and down-regulation of nifD and nifK These differences can be attributed to decline in Pi level in MmSWRI9-induced nodules under low Pi stress, which coincided with up-regulation of several key Pi starvation-responsive genes, and accumulation of asparagine in nodules and the levels of identified amino acids in Pi-deficient leaves of MmSWRI9-inoculated plants exceeding the shoot nitrogen requirement during Pi starvation, indicative of nitrogen feedback inhibition. Conversely, Pi levels increased in nodules of Pi-stressed McCP-31-inoculated plants, because these plants evolved various metabolic and biochemical strategies to maintain nodular Pi homeostasis under Pi deficiency. These adaptations involve the activation of alternative pathways of carbon metabolism, enhanced production and exudation of organic acids from roots into the rhizosphere, and the ability to protect nodule metabolism against Pi deficiency-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, the adaptation of symbiotic efficiency under Pi deficiency resulted from highly coordinated processes with an extensive reprogramming of whole-plant metabolism. The findings of this study will enable us to design effective breeding and genetic engineering strategies to enhance symbiotic efficiency in legume crops.

Legume nodules from nutrient-poor soils exhibit high plasticity of cellular phosphorus recycling and conservation during variable phosphorus supply

Nitrogen fixing legumes rely on phosphorus for nodule formation, nodule function and the energy costs of fixation. Phosphorus is however very limited in soils, especially in ancient sandstone-derived soils such as those in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Plants growing in such areas have evolved the ability to tolerate phosphorus stress by eliciting an array of physiological and biochemical responses. In this study we investigated the effects of phosphorus limitation on N2 fixation and phosphorus recycling in the nodules of Virgilia divaricata (Adamson), a legume native to the Cape Floristic Region. In particular, we focused on nutrient acquisition efficiencies, phosphorus fractions and the exudation and accumulation of phosphatases. Our finding indicate that during low phosphorus supply, V. divaricata internally recycles phosphorus and has a lower uptake rate of phosphorus, as well as lower levels adenylates but greater levels of phosphohydrolase exudation suggesting it engages in recycling internal nodule phosphorus pools and making use of alternate bypass routes in order to conserve phosphorus.

Phosphorus homeostasis in legume nodules as an adaptive strategy to phosphorus deficiency

Legumes have a significant role in effective management of fertilizers and improving soil health in sustainable agriculture. Because of the high phosphorus (P) requirements of N2-fixing nodule, P deficiency represents an important constraint for legume crop production, especially in tropical marginal countries. P deficiency is an important constraint for legume crop production, especially in poor soils present in many tropical degraded areas. Unlike nitrogen, mineral P sources are nonrenewable, and high-grade rock phosphates are expected to be depleted in the near future. Accordingly, developing legume cultivars with effective N2 fixation under P-limited conditions could have a profound significance for improving agricultural sustainability. Legumes have evolved strategies at both morphological and physiological levels to adapt to P deficiency. Molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptive strategies to P deficiency have been elucidated in legumes. These include maintenance of the P-homeostasis in nodules as a main adaptive strategy for rhizobia-legume symbiosis under P deficiency. The stabilization of P levels in the symbiotic tissues can be achieved through several mechanisms, including elevated P allocation to nodules, formation of a strong P sink in nodules, direct P acquisition via nodule surface and P remobilization from organic-P containing substances. The detailed biochemical, physiological and molecular understanding will be essential to the advancement of genetic and molecular approaches for enhancement of legume adaptation to P deficiency. In this review, we evaluate recent progress made to gain further and deeper insights into the physiological, biochemical and molecular reprogramming that legumes use to maintain P-homeostasis in nodules during P scarcity.

Nodules from Fynbos legume Virgilia divaricata have high functional plasticity under variable P supply levels

Legumes have the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) via symbiotic bacteria in their nodules but depend heavily on phosphorus (P), which affects nodulation, and the carbon costs and energy costs of N2 fixation. Consequently, legumes growing in nutrient-poor ecosystems (e.g., sandstone-derived soils) have to enhance P recycling and/or acquisition in order to maintain N2 fixation. In this study, we investigated the flexibility of P recycling and distribution within the nodules and their effect on N nutrition in Virgilia divaricata Adamson, Fabaceae, an indigenous legume in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Specifically, we assessed tissue elemental localization using micro-particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), measured N fixation using nutrient concentrations derived from inductively coupled mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS), calculated nutrient costs, and determined P recycling from enzyme activity assays. Morphological and physiological features characteristic of adaptation to P deprivation were observed for V. divaricata. Decreased plant growth and nodule production with parallel increased root:shoot ratios are some of the plastic features exhibited in response to P deficiency. Plants resupplied with P resembled those supplied with optimal P levels in terms of growth and nutrient acquisition. Under low P conditions, plants maintained an increase in N2-fixing efficiency despite lower levels of orthophosphate (Pi) in the nodules. This can be attributed to two factors: (i) an increase in Fe concentration under low P, and (ii) greater APase activity in both the roots and nodules under low P. These findings suggest that V. divaricata is well adapted to acquire N under P deficiency, owing to the plasticity of its nodule physiology.