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Zhong D, Chi Y, Ding J, Zhao N, Zeng L, Liu P, Huang Z, Zhou L. Decoupling of nitrogen allocation and energy partitioning in rice after flowering. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11297. [PMID: 38623520 PMCID: PMC11017445 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Estimation of energy partitioning at leaf scale, such as fluorescence yield (ΦF) and photochemical yield (ΦP), is crucial to tracking vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP) at global scale. Nitrogen is an important participant in the process of light capture, electron transfer, and carboxylation in vegetation photosynthesis. However, the quantitative relationship between leaf nitrogen allocation and leaf energy partitioning remains unexplored. Here, a field experiment was established to explore growth stage variations in energy partitioning and nitrogen allocation at leaf scale using active fluorescence detection and photosynthetic gas exchange method in rice in the subtropical region of China. We observed a strongly positive correlation between the investment proportion of leaf nitrogen in photosynthetic system and ΦF during the vegetative growth stage. There were significant differences in leaf energy partitioning, leaf nitrogen allocation, and the relationship between ΦF and ΦP before and after flowering. Furthermore, flowering weakened the correlation between the investment proportion of leaf nitrogen in photosynthetic system and ΦF. These findings highlight the crucial role of phenological factors in exploring seasonal photosynthetic dynamics and carbon fixation of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duwei Zhong
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Yonggang Chi
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianxi Ding
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Ning Zhao
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Linhui Zeng
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Pai Liu
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Zhi Huang
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Lei Zhou
- College of Geography and Environmental SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Yang F, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Hu J, Zhu W, Liu L, Liu H, Fahad S, Gao Q. Comparative physiological and transcriptome analysis of leaf nitrogen fluxes in stay-green maize during the vegetative stage. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 204:108147. [PMID: 37922646 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
In maize, nitrogen (N) stored in leaves is an important internal source for supporting subsequent growth and development. However, the regulation of N fluxes and photosynthesis and the molecular and genotypic regulations that modify them are less clear in source leaves during the vegetative stage. This knowledge is crucial for improving N use efficiency (NUE). By using 15N labeling and transcriptome methods, an analysis of the physiological and molecular basis of leaf N import and export processes and photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) was conducted in two maize hybrids (XY335 and XY696) with different stay-green characteristics during the vegetative stage. Leaf N import and export in XY696 were 45% and 33% greater than those in XY335. However, the PNUE in XY335 was 17% greater than that in XY696 due to the higher net photosynthetic rate (A) and lower SLN. Correspondingly, the chlorophyll content and photosynthesis-related enzyme (PEPc, PEPck, PPDK) activities increased by 18∼30% in XY335. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the expression levels of several N and carbon metabolism-related genes encoding Rubisco, PEPc, Nir, GS and AS were significantly increased or decreased in XY696 in parallel with enzyme activities. Moreover, there was a large difference in the expression abundance of genes encoding nitrate/nitrite transporters and transmembrane proteins. Our results suggest that two hybrids modulate leaf N fluxes and photosynthesis differently by altering gene expression and enzyme activities. Our study contributes to understanding leaf N fluxes and PNUE regulation and serves as a crucial reference for NUE improvement in maize breeding research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Resource Sustainable Utilization for Jilin Province Commodity Grain Bases, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Yudie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Resource Sustainable Utilization for Jilin Province Commodity Grain Bases, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 53002, China
| | - Jingwen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Resource Sustainable Utilization for Jilin Province Commodity Grain Bases, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Wenjing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Resource Sustainable Utilization for Jilin Province Commodity Grain Bases, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Resource Sustainable Utilization for Jilin Province Commodity Grain Bases, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Shah Fahad
- Department of Agronomy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Qiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Soil Resource Sustainable Utilization for Jilin Province Commodity Grain Bases, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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Wu Y, Yao F, Wang Y, Ma L, Li X. Association of maize ( Zea mays L.) senescence with water and nitrogen utilization under different drip irrigation systems. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1133206. [PMID: 37008479 PMCID: PMC10064151 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1133206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drip irrigation is an efficient water-saving system used to improve crop production worldwide. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of maize plant senescence and its association with yield, soil water, and nitrogen (N) utilization under this system. METHODS A 3-year field experiment in the northeast plains of China was used to assess four drip irrigation systems: (1) drip irrigation under plastic film mulch (PI); (2) drip irrigation under biodegradable film mulch (BI); (3) drip irrigation incorporating straw returning (SI); and (4) drip irrigation with the tape buried at a shallow soil depth (OI), and furrow irrigation (FI) was used as the control. The plant senescence characteristic based on the dynamic process of green leaf area (GLA) and live root length density (LRLD) during the reproductive stage, and its correlation with leaf N components, water use efficiency (WUE), and N use efficiency (NUE) was investigated. RESULTS PI followed by BI achieved the highest integral GLA and LRLD, grain filling rate, and leaf and root senescence rate after silking. Greater yield, WUE, and NUE were positively associated with higher N translocation efficiency of leaf protein responding for photosynthesis, respiration, and structure under PI and BI; whereas, no significant differences were found in yield, WUE, and NUE between PI and BI. SI effectively promoted LRLD in the deeper 20- to 100-cm soil layers, prolonged the GLA and LRLD persistent durations, and reduced the leaf and root senescence rates. The remobilization of non-protein storage N was stimulated by SI, FI, and OI, which made up for the relative inadequacy of leaf N. DISCUSSION Instead of persistent GLA and LRLD durations and high translocation efficiency of non-protein storage N, fast and large protein N translocation from leaves to grains under PI and BI was found to facilitate maize yield, WUE, and NUE in the sole cropping semi-arid region, and BI was recommend considering that it can reduce plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Institute of Jiangxi Oil-tea Camellia, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Fanyun Yao
- Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangnan Li
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Gao Z, Li J, Liu S, Chen Y. Within-leaf chloroplasts and nitrogen allocation to thylakoids in relation to photosynthesis during grain filling in maize. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:830-840. [PMID: 36868131 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an important contributor to photosynthetic rate (Pn). However, during grain-filling stage in maize, some leaf N is remobilized to meet demands for grain protein accumulation rather than photosynthetic demands. Therefore, plants that can maintain a relatively high Pn during the N remobilization process would have the key to achieving both high grain yields (HGY) and high grain protein concentrations (HGPC). In this study, we investigated two high-yielding maize hybrids in photosynthetic apparatus and N allocation in a two-year field experiment. During grain filling, XY335 had a higher Pn and photosynthetic N-use efficiency than ZD958 had in the upper leaf, but not in the middle or lower leaves. In the upper leaf, the diameter and area of the bundle sheath (BS) were larger and the distance between bundle sheaths was greater in XY335 than in ZD958. XY335 had more bundle sheath cells (BSCs) and a larger BSC area, as well as a larger chloroplast area in the BSC, resulting in a higher total number and total area of chloroplasts in the BS. XY335 also had higher stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration, and N allocation to the thylakoids. No genotypic differences were found in mesophyll cell ultrastructure, N content and starch content in the three types of leaves. Therefore, a trifecta of higher gs, greater N allocation to thylakoids for photo-phosphorylation and electron transport, and more and larger chloroplasts promoting CO2 assimilation in the BS confers a high Pn to simultaneously achieve HGY and high HGPC in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Gao
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, China
| | - Jiuzhou Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, China
| | - Shutang Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, China.
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5
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Maize Breeding for Low Nitrogen Inputs in Agriculture: Mechanisms Underlying the Tolerance to the Abiotic Stress. STRESSES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/stresses3010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is essential for sustaining life on Earth and plays a vital role in plant growth and thus agricultural production. The excessive use of N fertilizers not only harms the economy, but also the environment. In the context of the environmental impacts caused by agriculture, global maize improvement programs aim to develop cultivars with high N-use efficiency (NUE) to reduce the use of N fertilizers. Since N is highly mobile in plants, NUE is related to numerous little-known morphophysiological and molecular mechanisms. In this review paper we present an overview of the morpho-physiological adaptations of shoot and root, molecular mechanisms involved in plant response to low nitrogen environment, and the genetic effects involved in the control of key traits for NUE. Some studies show that the efficiency of cultivars growing under low N is related to deep root architecture, more lateral roots (LR), and sparser branching of LR, resulting in lower metabolic costs. The NUE cultivars also exhibit more efficient photosynthesis, which affects plant growth under suboptimal nitrogen conditions. In this sense, obtaining superior genotypes for NUE can be achieved with the exploitation of heterosis, as non-additive effects are more important in the expression of traits associated with NUE.
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Filacek A, Zivcak M, Barboricova M, Misheva SP, Pereira EG, Yang X, Brestic M. Diversity of responses to nitrogen deficiency in distinct wheat genotypes reveals the role of alternative electron flows in photoprotection. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2022; 154:259-276. [PMID: 36181569 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-022-00966-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) deficiency represents an important limiting factor affecting photosynthetic productivity and the yields of crop plants. Significant reported differences in N use efficiency between the crop species and genotypes provide a good background for the studies of diversity of photosynthetic and photoprotective responses associated with nitrogen deficiency. Using distinct wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with previously observed contrasting responses to nitrogen nutrition (cv. Enola and cv. Slomer), we performed advanced analyses of CO2 assimilation, PSII, and PSI photochemistry, also focusing on the heterogeneity of the stress responses in the different leaf levels. Our results confirmed the loss of photosynthetic capacity and enhanced more in lower positions. Non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis was well reflected by the changes in PSII and PSI photochemistry, including the parameters derived from the fast-fluorescence kinetics. Low photosynthesis in N-deprived leaves, especially in lower positions, was associated with a significant decrease in the activity of alternative electron flows. The exception was the cyclic electron flow around PSI that was enhanced in most of the samples with a low photosynthetic rate. We observed significant genotype-specific responses. An old genotype Slomer with a lower CO2 assimilation rate demonstrated enhanced alternative electron flow and photorespiration capacity. In contrast, a modern, highly productive genotype Enola responded to decreased photosynthesis by a significant increase in nonphotochemical dissipation and cyclic electron flow. Our results illustrate the importance of alternative electron flows for eliminating the excitation pressure at the PSII acceptor side. The decrease in capacity of electron acceptors was balanced by the structural and functional changes of the components of the electron transport chain, leading to a decline of linear electron transport to prevent the overreduction of the PSI acceptor side and related photooxidative damage of photosynthetic structures in leaves exposed to nitrogen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Filacek
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Marek Zivcak
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Maria Barboricova
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Svetlana P Misheva
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Xinghong Yang
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Marian Brestic
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
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7
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Piao L, Zhang S, Yan J, Xiang T, Chen Y, Li M, Gu W. Contribution of Fertilizer, Density and Row Spacing Practices for Maize Yield and Efficiency Enhancement in Northeast China. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2985. [PMID: 36365438 PMCID: PMC9659307 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The research aimed to assess the contribution of fertilizer, density, and row spacing in integrated cultivation measures and identify their regulation mechanism on canopy architecture and factors in biomass accumulation in spring maize. Zhengdan 958 was used as the experimental material, and the optimum mode (OM) was identified based on a preliminary experiment, including the optimal fertilizer management, suitable plant density and wide-narrow row spacing, and dramatic yield performance (11,445.16 kg ha-1 in 2017). Then, the effects of these practices on maize canopy structure performance were analyzed using the omission factors design experiment in optimum mode (OM). Treatments were set as follows: without fertilization (OM-F), without density (OM-D), and without wide-narrow plant spacing (OM-S). The results showed that the contribution of fertilization was maximum (23.85%), the second was intensive planting (16.05%), which promoted nitrogen accumulation and transport in leaves and stems via increased leaf area index and dry matter accumulation around the anthesis simultaneously, elevating the radiation utilization efficiency of the canopy and allowing a higher grain weight to be obtained. Wide-narrow row spacing yield contribution is minimum among the measures (8.649%), which could regulate the leaf and radiation transmittance in the middle and bottom layer of the canopy, while increasing the nitrogen accumulation of leaves and stalks in the silking stage, then significantly enhance the nitrogen transport and the matter accumulation of maize after anthesis. Our results showed that fertilizer management and density were the essential practices for integrated cultivation mode for northeast China. Moreover, wide-narrow row planting was advocated if permitted, which could elevate the utilization efficiency of radiation to 1%, and the yield of more than 11,000 kg ha-1 was obtained in Northeast China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Piao
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Maize Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Junyao Yan
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Tianxu Xiang
- Heilongjiang Academy of land Reclamation Sciences, Harbin 150038, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Heilongjiang Kenfeng Seed Industry Co., Ltd., Harbin 150090, China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wanrong Gu
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
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8
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Guo S, Arshad A, Yang L, Qin Y, Mu X, Mi G. Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Common and Developmental Stage-Specific Genes That Respond to Low Nitrogen in Maize Leaves. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11121550. [PMID: 35736701 PMCID: PMC9230787 DOI: 10.3390/plants11121550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A growing leaf can be divided into three sections: division zone, elongation zone, and maturation zone. In previous studies, low nitrogen (LN) inhibited maize growth and development, especially leaf growth; however, the gene expression in response to LN in different regions in leaf were not clear. Here, using hydroponics and a transcriptome approach, we systematically analyzed the molecular responses of those zones and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in response to LN supply. Developmental stage-specific genes (SGs) were highly stage-specific and involved in distinct biological processes. SGs from division (SGs–DZ) and elongation zones (SGs–EZ) were more related to developmentally dependent processes, whereas SGs of the maturation zone (SGs–MZ) were more related to metabolic processes. The common genes (CGs) were overrepresented in carbon and N metabolism, suggesting that rebalancing carbon and N metabolism in maize leaves under LN condition was independent of developmental stage. Coexpression modules (CMs) were also constructed in our experiment and a total of eight CMs were detected. Most of SGs–DZ and SGs–EZ were classified into a set termed CM turquoise, which was mainly enriched in ribosome and DNA replication, whereas several genes from SGs–MZ and CGs were clustered into CM blue, which mainly focused on photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Finally, a comprehensive coexpression network was extracted from CM blue, and several maize CONSTANS-LIKE(ZmCOL) genes seemed to participate in regulating photosynthesis in maize leaves under LN condition in a developmental stage-specific manner. With this study, we uncovered the LN-responsive CGs and SGs that are important for promoting plant growth and development under insufficient nitrogen supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Guo
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (S.G.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Adnan Arshad
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
- PODA Organization, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Lan Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Yusheng Qin
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (S.G.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Xiaohuan Mu
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China;
| | - Guohua Mi
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
- National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-62734454
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9
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Yin X, Gu J, Dingkuhn M, Struik PC. A model-guided holistic review of exploiting natural variation of photosynthesis traits in crop improvement. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:3173-3188. [PMID: 35323898 PMCID: PMC9126731 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Breeding for improved leaf photosynthesis is considered as a viable approach to increase crop yield. Whether it should be improved in combination with other traits has not been assessed critically. Based on the quantitative crop model GECROS that interconnects various traits to crop productivity, we review natural variation in relevant traits, from biochemical aspects of leaf photosynthesis to morpho-physiological crop characteristics. While large phenotypic variations (sometimes >2-fold) for leaf photosynthesis and its underlying biochemical parameters were reported, few quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified, accounting for a small percentage of phenotypic variation. More QTL were reported for sink size (that feeds back on photosynthesis) or morpho-physiological traits (that affect canopy productivity and duration), together explaining a much greater percentage of their phenotypic variation. Traits for both photosynthetic rate and sustaining it during grain filling were strongly related to nitrogen-related traits. Much of the molecular basis of known photosynthesis QTL thus resides in genes controlling photosynthesis indirectly. Simulation using GECROS demonstrated the overwhelming importance of electron transport parameters, compared with the maximum Rubisco activity that largely determines the commonly studied light-saturated photosynthetic rate. Exploiting photosynthetic natural variation might significantly improve crop yield if nitrogen uptake, sink capacity, and other morpho-physiological traits are co-selected synergistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyou Yin
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Junfei Gu
- College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | | | - Paul C Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Liu M, Liu X, Zhao Y, Korpelainen H, Li C. Sex-specific nitrogen allocation tradeoffs in the leaves of Populus cathayana cuttings under salt and drought stress. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 172:101-110. [PMID: 35051894 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) partitioning within a leaf affects leaf photosynthesis and adaptation to environmental fluctuations. However, how plant sex influences leaf N allocation and its tradeoffs in acclimation to drought, excess salt and their combination remains unknown. Here, leaf N allocation between the photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic apparatus and among the components of the photosynthesis in Populus cathayana Rehder females and males were investigated under drought, salt and their combination to clarify the underlying mechanism. We found that males with a lower leaf N allocation (NL) into non-protein N (Nnp), showed a greater leaf N allocation into photosynthetic apparatus, especially into the carboxylation component under all treatments, and a greater leaf N allocation into cell wall under drought and salt stress alone, consequently causing higher photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) and tolerance to stresses. Conversely, females had a greater leaf N allocation into Nnp under all treatments than males and a lower leaf photosynthetic N (NP) allocation. There was a tradeoff in leaf N allocation among photosynthetic apparatus (NP/NL), cell wall (NCW/NL) and Nnp, which explained plant responses to drought, salt and their combination. Moreover, the leaf N allocation into the carboxylation component could explain the intersexual difference in responses to all treatments, while leaf cell wall N (NCW) and Nnp reflected intrasexual differences among treatments in both sexes. These findings indicate sex-specific strategies in coping with drought, salt and their combination that relate to leaf N allocation, which may contribute to sex-specific photosynthesis and niche segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Xiucheng Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Helena Korpelainen
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Chunyang Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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11
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Fernandez JA, Nippert JB, Prasad PVV, Messina CD, Ciampitti IA. Post-silking 15N labelling reveals an enhanced nitrogen allocation to leaves in modern maize (Zea mays) genotypes. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 268:153577. [PMID: 34871987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2021.153577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) metabolism is a major research target for increasing productivity in crop plants. In maize (Zea mays L.), yield gain over the last few decades has been associated with increased N absorption and utilization efficiency (i.e. grain biomass per unit of N absorbed). However, a dynamical framework is still needed to unravel the role of internal processes such as uptake, allocation, and translocation of N in these adaptations. This study aimed to 1) characterize how genetic enhancement in N efficiency conceals changes in allocation and translocation of N, and 2) quantify internal fluxes behind grain N sources in two historical genotypes under high and low N supply. The genotypes 3394 and P1197, landmark hybrids representing key eras of genetic improvement (1990s and 2010s), were grown under high and low N supply in a two-year field study. Using stable isotope 15N labelling, post-silking nitrogen fluxes were modeled through Bayesian estimation by considering the external N (exogenous-N) and the pre-existing N (endogenous-N) supply across plant organs. Regardless of N availability, P1197 exhibited greater exogenous-N accumulated in leaves and cob-husks. This response was translated to a larger amount of N mobilized to grains (as endogenous-N) during grain-filling in this genotype. Furthermore, the enhanced N supply to leaves in P1197 was associated with increased post-silking carbon accumulation. The overall findings suggest that increased N utilization efficiency over time in maize genotypes was associated with an increased allocation of N to leaves and subsequent translocation to the grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Fernandez
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States.
| | - Jesse B Nippert
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
| | - P V Vara Prasad
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
| | | | - Ignacio A Ciampitti
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States.
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Su W, Ahmad S, Ahmad I, Han Q. Nitrogen fertilization affects maize grain yield through regulating nitrogen uptake, radiation and water use efficiency, photosynthesis and root distribution. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10291. [PMID: 33240631 PMCID: PMC7676353 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High external nitrogen (N) inputs can maximize maize yield but can cause a subsequent reduction in N use efficiency (NUE). Thus, it is necessary to identify the minimum effective N fertilizer input that does not affect maize grain yield (GY) and to investigate the photosynthetic and root system consequences of this optimal dose. We conducted a 4-year field experiment from 2014 to 2017 with four N application rates: 300 (N300), 225 (N225), 150 (N150), and 0 Kg ha-1 (N0) in the Northwest of China. GY was assessed by measuring the photosynthetic capacity and root system (root volume, surface area, length density and distribution). Grain yield decreased by -3%, 7.7%, and 21.9% when the N application rates decreased by 25%, 50%, and 100% from 300 Kg ha-1. We found that yield reduction driven by N reduction was primarily due to decreased radiation use efficiency (RUE) and WUE instead of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation and evapotranspiration. In the N225 treatment, GY, WUE, and RUE were not significantly reduced, or in some cases, were greater than those of the N300 treatment. This pattern was also observed with relevant photosynthetic and root attributes (i.e., high net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and root weight, as well as deep root distribution). Our results suggest that application of N at 225 Kg ha-1 can increased yield by improving the RUE, WUE, and NUE in semi-arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wennan Su
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, Ministry of Education/Institute of Water Saving Agriculture in Arid Areas of China, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Crop Physio-ecology and Tillage Science in North-western Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture/College of Agronomy, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.,College of Agronomy, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, Ministry of Education/Institute of Water Saving Agriculture in Arid Areas of China, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Crop Physio-ecology and Tillage Science in North-western Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture/College of Agronomy, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, Ministry of Education/Institute of Water Saving Agriculture in Arid Areas of China, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Crop Physio-ecology and Tillage Science in North-western Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture/College of Agronomy, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China
| | - Qingfang Han
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, Ministry of Education/Institute of Water Saving Agriculture in Arid Areas of China, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Crop Physio-ecology and Tillage Science in North-western Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture/College of Agronomy, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.,College of Agronomy, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China
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13
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Bengoa Luoni S, Astigueta FH, Nicosia S, Moschen S, Fernandez P, Heinz R. Transcription Factors Associated with Leaf Senescence in Crops. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E411. [PMID: 31614987 PMCID: PMC6843677 DOI: 10.3390/plants8100411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Leaf senescence is a complex mechanism controlled by multiple genetic and environmental variables. Different crops present a delay in leaf senescence with an important impact on grain yield trough the maintenance of the photosynthetic leaf area during the reproductive stage. Additionally, because of the temporal gap between the onset and phenotypic detection of the senescence process, candidate genes are key tools to enable the early detection of this process. In this sense and given the importance of some transcription factors as hub genes in senescence pathways, we present a comprehensive review on senescence-associated transcription factors, in model plant species and in agronomic relevant crops. This review will contribute to the knowledge of leaf senescence process in crops, thus providing a valuable tool to assist molecular crop breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bengoa Luoni
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
| | - Francisco H Astigueta
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
- Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires 1650, Argentina.
| | - Salvador Nicosia
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
- Universidad Nacional de Lujan, Cruce Rutas Nac. 5 y 7, Lujan, Buenos Aires 6700, Argentina.
| | - Sebastian Moschen
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá, Tucumán 4142, Argentina.
| | - Paula Fernandez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
- Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires 1650, Argentina.
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (INTA-CONICET), Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina.
| | - Ruth Heinz
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (INTA-CONICET), Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina.
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Mu X, Luo J. Evolutionary analyses of NIN-like proteins in plants and their roles in nitrate signaling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3753-3764. [PMID: 31161283 PMCID: PMC11105697 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03164-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important essential macro-elements for plant growth and development, and nitrate represents the most abundant inorganic form of N in soils. The nitrate uptake and assimilation processes are finely tuned according to the available nitrate in the surroundings as well as by the internal finely coordinated signaling pathways. The NIN-like proteins (NLPs) harbor both RWP-RK, and Phox and Bem1 (PB1) domains, and they belong to the well-characterized plant-specific RWP-RK transcription factor gene family. NLPs are known to be involved in the nitrate signaling pathway by activating downstream target genes, and thus they are implicated in the primary nitrate response in the nucleus via their RWP-RK domains. The PB1 domain is a ubiquitous protein-protein interaction domain and it comprises another regulatory layer for NLPs via the protein interactions within NLPs or with other essential components. Recently, Ca2+-Ca2+ sensor protein kinase-NLP signaling cascades have been identified and they allow NLPs to have central roles in mediating the nitrate signaling pathway. NLPs play essential roles in many aspects of plant growth and development via the finely tuned nitrate signaling pathway. Furthermore, recent studies have highlighted the emerging roles played by NLPs in the N starvation response, nodule formation in legumes, N and P interactions, and root cap release in higher plants. In this review, we consider recent advances in the identification, evolution, molecular characteristics, and functions of the NLP gene family in plant growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Jie Luo
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry Information, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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15
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Optimal nitrogen regimes compensate for the impacts of seedlings subjected to waterlogging stress in summer maize. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206210. [PMID: 30352090 PMCID: PMC6198986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A field experiment was performed to explore the compensation effects of different nitrogen (N) regimes on the growth and photosynthetic capacity in different leaf layers of the summer maize hybrid of LuYu9105 under waterlogging at the seedling stage. The results showed that waterlogging significantly decreased the maximum green leaf area (gLA) by 10.0~15.3% and 9.3~22.5%, mainly due to the reduction in the below-ear layer leaves at the silking stage in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Waterlogging also significantly decreased the ear leaf photosynthetic rate (PN), and Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo, ΦPSII and qP at the below-ear layer leaves at the mid- and late-filling stages, which was accompanied by a reduction in the duration of grain-filling (T) by 2.6~5.9%, thus resulting in a loss of grain yield by 7.0~18.5%. Interestingly, a shift in N from basal application to topdressing at the big flare stage was shown to compensate the adverse effects of waterlogging by through increased gLA and leaf photosynthetic capacity at the ear layer and the above-ear layer, as well as a greater grain-filling rate, resulting in an increase in grain yield by 9.9~27.0% and 17.8~25.8% compared to other N treatments. Therefore, this study showed that optimal nitrogen regimes during maize growth are capable of compensating for the impacts caused by waterlogging at the seedling stage.
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