1
|
Jensen CNG, Pang JKY, Gottardi M, Kračun SK, Svendsen BA, Nielsen KF, Kovács ÁT, Moelbak L, Fimognari L, Husted S, Schulz A. Bacillus subtilis promotes plant phosphorus (P) acquisition through P solubilization and stimulation of root and root hair growth. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14338. [PMID: 38740528 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria can be applied as biofertilizers to improve crop growth in phosphorus (P)-limited conditions. However, their mode of action in a soil environment is still elusive. We used the strain ALC_02 as a case study to elucidate how Bacillus subtilis affects dwarf tomato cultivated in soil-filled rhizoboxes over time. ALC_02 improved plant P acquisition by increasing the size and P content of P-limited plants. We assessed three possible mechanisms, namely root growth stimulation, root hair elongation, and solubilization of soil P. ALC_02 produced auxin, and inoculation with ALC_02 promoted root growth. ALC_02 promoted root hair elongation as the earliest observed response and colonized root hairs specifically. Root and root hair growth stimulation was associated with a subsequent increase in plant P content, indicating that a better soil exploration by the root system improved plant P acquisition. Furthermore, ALC_02 affected the plant-available P content in sterilized soil differently over time and released P from native P pools in the soil. Collectively, ALC_02 exhibited all three mechanisms in a soil environment. To our knowledge, bacterial P biofertilizers have not been reported to colonize and elongate root hairs in the soil so far, and we propose that these traits contribute to the overall effect of ALC_02. The knowledge gained in this research can be applied in the future quest for bacterial P biofertilizers, where we recommend assessing all three parameters, not only root growth and P solubilization, but also root hair elongation. This will ultimately support the development of sustainable agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Niketa Gadomska Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Plant Health Innovation, Novonesis A/S, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Janet Ka Yan Pang
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Moelbak
- Plant Health Innovation, Novonesis A/S, Taastrup, Denmark
| | | | - Søren Husted
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Alexander Schulz
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Quattrone A, Lopez-Guerrero M, Yadav P, Meier MA, Russo SE, Weber KA. Interactions between root hairs and the soil microbial community affect the growth of maize seedlings. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:611-628. [PMID: 37974552 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Root hairs are considered important for rhizosphere formation, which affects root system functioning. Through interactions with soil microorganisms mediated by root exudation, root hairs may affect the phenotypes and growth of young plants. We tested this hypothesis by integrating results from two experiments: (1) a factorial greenhouse seedling experiment with Zea mays B73-wt and its root-hairless mutant, B73-rth3, grown in live and autoclaved soil, quantifying 15 phenotypic traits, seven growth rates, and soil microbiomes and (2) a semi-hydroponic system quantifying root exudation of maize genotypes. Possibly as compensation for lacking root hairs, B73-rth3 seedlings allocated more biomass to roots and grew slower than B73-wt seedlings in live soil, whereas B73-wt seedlings grew slowest in autoclaved soil, suggesting root hairs can be costly and their benefits were realized with more complete soil microbial assemblages. There were substantial differences in root exudation between genotypes and in rhizosphere versus non-rhizosphere microbiomes. The microbial taxa enriched in the presence of root hairs generally enhanced growth compared to taxa enriched in their absence. Our findings suggest the root hairs' adaptive value extends to plant-microbe interactions mediated by root exudates, affecting plant phenotypes, and ultimately, growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Quattrone
- Complex Biosystems Ph.D. program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Pooja Yadav
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Michael A Meier
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Rancho Biosciences, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sabrina E Russo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Karrie A Weber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Daugherty Water for Food Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Quattrone A, Yang Y, Yadav P, Weber KA, Russo SE. Nutrient and Microbiome-Mediated Plant-Soil Feedback in Domesticated and Wild Andropogoneae: Implications for Agroecosystems. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2978. [PMID: 38138123 PMCID: PMC10745641 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants influence the abiotic and biotic environment of the rhizosphere, affecting plant performance through plant-soil feedback (PSF). We compared the strength of nutrient and microbe-mediated PSF and its implications for plant performance in domesticated and wild grasses with a fully crossed greenhouse PSF experiment using four inbred maize genotypes (Zea mays ssp. mays b58, B73-wt, B73-rth3, and HP301), teosinte (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis), and two wild prairie grasses (Andropogon gerardii and Tripsacum dactyloides) to condition soils for three feedback species (maize B73-wt, teosinte, Andropogon gerardii). We found evidence of negative PSF based on growth, phenotypic traits, and foliar nutrient concentrations for maize B73-wt, which grew slower in maize-conditioned soil than prairie grass-conditioned soil. In contrast, teosinte and A. gerardii showed few consistent feedback responses. Both rhizobiome and nutrient-mediated mechanisms were implicated in PSF. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, the rhizosphere bacterial community composition differed significantly after conditioning by prairie grass and maize plants, and the final soil nutrients were significantly influenced by conditioning, more so than by the feedback plants. These results suggest PSF-mediated soil domestication in agricultural settings can develop quickly and reduce crop productivity mediated by PSF involving changes to both the soil rhizobiomes and nutrient availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Quattrone
- Complex Biosystems Ph.D. Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0851, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118, USA; (Y.Y.)
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0705, USA
| | - Yuguo Yang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118, USA; (Y.Y.)
| | - Pooja Yadav
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118, USA; (Y.Y.)
| | - Karrie A. Weber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118, USA; (Y.Y.)
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0340, USA
- Daugherty Water for Food Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-6203, USA
| | - Sabrina E. Russo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118, USA; (Y.Y.)
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee S, Tri Le Q, Yang S, Hwang KY, Lee H. Arabidopsis ecotype Ct-1, with its altered nitrate sensing ability, exhibits enhanced growth under low nitrate conditions in comparison to Col-0. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 336:111827. [PMID: 37586419 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
To address the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the increased use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, it is imperative to acquire an in-depth comprehension of the intricate interplay between plants and nitrogen. In this context, our research aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind NO3- sensing/signaling in plants, which can enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency. Previous reports have revealed that the density and quantity of root hairs exhibit responsive behavior to varying levels of NO3-, while the precise molecular mechanisms governing these changes remain elusive. To further investigate this phenomenon, we specifically selected the Ct-1 ecotype, which manifested a greater abundance of root hairs compared to the Col-0 ecotype under conditions of low NO3-. Our investigations unveiled that the dissimilarities in the amino acid sequence of NRT1.1, a transceptor responsible for regulating nitrate signaling and transport, accounted for the observed variation in root hair numbers. These results suggest that NRT1.1 represents a promising target for gene editing technology, offering potential applications in enhancing the efficiency of nitrogen utilization in agricultural crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seokjin Lee
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, the Republic of Korea
| | - Quang Tri Le
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seonyoung Yang
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, the Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Yeon Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, the Republic of Korea
| | - Hojoung Lee
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-713, the Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jia Z, Giehl RFH, Hartmann A, Estevez JM, Bennett MJ, von Wirén N. A spatially concerted epidermal auxin signaling framework steers the root hair foraging response under low nitrogen. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3926-3941.e5. [PMID: 37699396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
As a major determinant of the nutrient-acquiring root surface, root hairs (RHs) provide a low-input strategy to enhance nutrient uptake. Although primary and lateral roots exhibit elongation responses under mild nitrogen (N) deficiency, the foraging response of RHs and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Employing transcriptomics and functional studies revealed a framework of molecular components composing a cascade of auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling that triggers RH elongation for N acquisition. Through upregulation of Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis 1 (TAA1) and YUCCA8, low N increases auxin accumulation in the root apex. Auxin is then directed to the RH differentiation zone via the auxin transport machinery, AUXIN TRANSPORTER PROTEIN 1 (AUX1) and PIN-FORMED 2 (PIN2). Upon arrival to the RH zone, auxin activates the transcription factors AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 6 and 8 (ARF6/8) to promote the epidermal and auxin-inducible transcriptional module ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 (RHD6)-LOTUS JAPONICA ROOT HAIRLESS-LIKE 3 (LRL3) to steer RH elongation in response to low N. Our study uncovers a spatially defined regulatory signaling cascade for N foraging by RHs, expanding the mechanistic framework of hormone-regulated nutrient sensing in plant roots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongtao Jia
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Ricardo F H Giehl
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Anja Hartmann
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Jose M Estevez
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Nucleus for the Development of Super Adaptable Plants (MN-SAP), Santiago, Chile; Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Malcolm J Bennett
- Future Food Beacon and School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Nicolaus von Wirén
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maharajan T, Krishna TPA, Shilpha J, Ceasar SA. Effects of Individual or Combined Deficiency of Phosphorous and Zinc on Phenotypic, Nutrient Uptake, and Molecular Responses of Finger Millet ( Eleusine coracana): A Nutri-Rich Cereal Crop. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3378. [PMID: 37836117 PMCID: PMC10574462 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Deficiencies of either phosphorus (P) or zinc (Zn) or both are one of the major abiotic constraints influencing agricultural production. Research on the effects of individual or combined P and Zn deficiency is limited in cereals. This study reports the effects of the individual or combined deficiency of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and Zn on the phenotypic, root hair modification, nutrient uptake, and molecular responses of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), a nutri-rich cereal crop. Finger millet seedlings were grown hydroponically under control (+Pi+Zn), individual Pi deficiency (-Pi), individual Zn deficiency (-Zn), and combined Pi and Zn deficiency (-Pi-Zn) conditions for 30 days to find the phenotypic, root hair modification, nutrient uptake, and molecular responses. Compared to the individual -Zn condition, the individual -Pi condition had more of an effect in terms of biomass reduction. The combined -Pi-Zn condition increased the root hair length and density compared to the other three conditions. The individual -Zn condition increased the Pi uptake, while the individual -Pi condition favored the Zn uptake. EcZIP2 was highly upregulated in shoot tissues under the individual -Zn condition, and EcPHT1;2 was highly expressed in root tissues under the individual -Pi condition. This is the first study to report the effects of the individual or combined deficiency of Pi and Zn in finger millet and may lead to future studies to better manage P and Zn deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theivanayagam Maharajan
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Cochin 683104, India; (T.M.); (T.P.A.K.)
| | | | - Jayabalan Shilpha
- Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Stanislaus Antony Ceasar
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Cochin 683104, India; (T.M.); (T.P.A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu C, Qiu Q, Zou B, Wu Q, Ye X, Wan Y, Huang J, Wu X, Sun Y, Yan H, Fan Y, Jiang L, Zheng X, Zhao G, Zou L, Xiang D. Comparative transcriptome and genome analysis unravels the response of Tatary buckwheat root to nitrogen deficiency. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:647-660. [PMID: 36796235 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Garetn.), a dicotyledonous herbaceous crop, has good adaptation to low nitrogen (LN) condition. The plasticity of roots drives the adaption of Tartary buckwheat under LN, but the detailed mechanism behind the response of TB roots to LN remains unclear. In this study, the molecular mechanism of two Tartary buckwheat genotypes' roots with contrasting sensitivity in response to LN was investigated by integrating physiological, transcriptome and whole-genome re-sequencing analysis. LN improved primary and lateral root growth of LN-sensitive genotype, whereas the roots of LN-insensitive genotype showed no response to LN. 2, 661 LN-responsive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptome analysis. Of these genes, 17 N transport and assimilation-related and 29 hormone biosynthesis and signaling genes showed response to LN, and they may play important role in Tartary buckwheat root development under LN. The flavonoid biosynthetic genes' expression was improved by LN, and their transcriptional regulations mediated by MYB and bHLH were analyzed. 78 transcription factors, 124 small secreted peptides and 38 receptor-like protein kinases encoding genes involved in LN response. 438 genes were differentially expressed between LN-sensitive and LN-insensitive genotypes by comparing their transcriptome, including 176 LN-responsive DEGs. Furthermore, nine key LN-responsive genes with sequence variation were identified, including FtNRT2.4, FtNPF2.6 and FtMYB1R1. This paper provided useful information on the response and adaptation of Tartary buckwheat root to LN, and the candidate genes for breeding Tartary buckwheat with high N use efficiency were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Qingcheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Bangxing Zou
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China; Sericultural Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xueling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jingwei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoyong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yanxia Sun
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Huiling Yan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Fan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Liangzhen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoqin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Liang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Dabing Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kuang W, Sanow S, Kelm JM, Müller Linow M, Andeer P, Kohlheyer D, Northen T, Vogel JP, Watt M, Arsova B. N-dependent dynamics of root growth and nitrate and ammonium uptake are altered by the bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae in the cereal model Brachypodium distachyon. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:5306-5321. [PMID: 35512445 PMCID: PMC9440436 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) fixation in cereals by root-associated bacteria is a promising solution for reducing use of chemical N fertilizers in agriculture. However, plant and bacterial responses are unpredictable across environments. We hypothesized that cereal responses to N-fixing bacteria are dynamic, depending on N supply and time. To quantify the dynamics, a gnotobiotic, fabricated ecosystem (EcoFAB) was adapted to analyse N mass balance, to image shoot and root growth, and to measure gene expression of Brachypodium distachyon inoculated with the N-fixing bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae. Phenotyping throughput of EcoFAB-N was 25-30 plants h-1 with open software and imaging systems. Herbaspirillum seropedicae inoculation of B. distachyon shifted root and shoot growth, nitrate versus ammonium uptake, and gene expression with time; directions and magnitude depended on N availability. Primary roots were longer and root hairs shorter regardless of N, with stronger changes at low N. At higher N, H. seropedicae provided 11% of the total plant N that came from sources other than the seed or the nutrient solution. The time-resolved phenotypic and molecular data point to distinct modes of action: at 5 mM NH4NO3 the benefit appears through N fixation, while at 0.5 mM NH4NO3 the mechanism appears to be plant physiological, with H. seropedicae promoting uptake of N from the root medium.Future work could fine-tune plant and root-associated microorganisms to growth and nutrient dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Kuang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hunan University of Arts and Science, 415000 Changde, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 410125 Changsha, China
| | - Stefan Sanow
- IBG-2 Plant Sciences, Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jana M Kelm
- IBG-2 Plant Sciences, Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Mark Müller Linow
- IBG-2 Plant Sciences, Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Peter Andeer
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Dietrich Kohlheyer
- IBG-1 Biotechnology, Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Trent Northen
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- The Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - John P Vogel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- The Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Watt
- IBG-2 Plant Sciences, Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
De Pessemier J, Moturu TR, Nacry P, Ebert R, De Gernier H, Tillard P, Swarup K, Wells DM, Haseloff J, Murray SC, Bennett MJ, Inzé D, Vincent CI, Hermans C. Root system size and root hair length are key phenes for nitrate acquisition and biomass production across natural variation in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:3569-3583. [PMID: 35304891 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The role of root phenes in nitrogen (N) acquisition and biomass production was evaluated in 10 contrasting natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Seedlings were grown on vertical agar plates with two different nitrate supplies. The low N treatment increased the root to shoot biomass ratio and promoted the proliferation of lateral roots and root hairs. The cost of a larger root system did not impact shoot biomass. Greater biomass production could be achieved through increased root length or through specific root hair characteristics. A greater number of root hairs may provide a low-resistance pathway under elevated N conditions, while root hair length may enhance root zone exploration under low N conditions. The variability of N uptake and the expression levels of genes encoding nitrate transporters were measured. A positive correlation was found between root system size and high-affinity nitrate uptake, emphasizing the benefits of an exploratory root organ in N acquisition. The expression levels of NRT1.2/NPF4.6, NRT2.2, and NRT1.5/NPF7.3 negatively correlated with some root morphological traits. Such basic knowledge in Arabidopsis demonstrates the importance of root phenes to improve N acquisition and paves the way to design eudicot ideotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme De Pessemier
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory, Interfacultary School of Bioengineers, Université libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Taraka Ramji Moturu
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory, Interfacultary School of Bioengineers, Université libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Nacry
- Institute of Plant Science Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Rebecca Ebert
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, USA
| | - Hugues De Gernier
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory, Interfacultary School of Bioengineers, Université libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pascal Tillard
- Institute of Plant Science Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Kamal Swarup
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Darren M Wells
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jim Haseloff
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Seth C Murray
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Malcolm J Bennett
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Dirk Inzé
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christopher I Vincent
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Horticultural Sciences Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, USA
| | - Christian Hermans
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory, Interfacultary School of Bioengineers, Université libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cai G, Ahmed MA. The role of root hairs in water uptake: recent advances and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:3330-3338. [PMID: 35323893 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sufficient water is essential for plant growth and production. Root hairs connect roots to the soil, extend the effective root radius, and greatly enlarge the absorbing surface area. Although the efficacy of root hairs in nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, has been well recognized, their role in water uptake remains contentious. Here we review recent advances in this field, discuss the factors affecting the role of root hairs in water uptake, and propose future directions. We argue that root hair length and shrinkage, in response to soil drying, explain the apparently contradictory evidence currently available. Our analysis revealed that shorter and vulnerable root hairs (i.e. rice and maize) made little, if any, contribution to root water uptake. In contrast, relatively longer root hairs (i.e. barley) had a clear influence on root water uptake, transpiration, and hence plant response to soil drying. We conclude that the role of root hairs in water uptake is species (and probably soil) specific. We propose that a holistic understanding of the efficacy of root hairs in water uptake will require detailed studies of root hair length, turnover, and shrinkage in different species and contrasting soil textures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaochao Cai
- Chair of Soil Physics, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, D-95444, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Mutez Ali Ahmed
- Chair of Soil Physics, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, D-95444, Bayreuth, Germany
- Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Galindo-Castañeda T, Lynch JP, Six J, Hartmann M. Improving Soil Resource Uptake by Plants Through Capitalizing on Synergies Between Root Architecture and Anatomy and Root-Associated Microorganisms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:827369. [PMID: 35356114 PMCID: PMC8959776 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.827369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Root architectural and anatomical phenotypes are highly diverse. Specific root phenotypes can be associated with better plant growth under low nutrient and water availability. Therefore, root ideotypes have been proposed as breeding targets for more stress-resilient and resource-efficient crops. For example, root phenotypes that correspond to the Topsoil Foraging ideotype are associated with better plant growth under suboptimal phosphorus availability, and root phenotypes that correspond to the Steep, Cheap and Deep ideotype are linked to better performance under suboptimal availability of nitrogen and water. We propose that natural variation in root phenotypes translates into a diversity of different niches for microbial associations in the rhizosphere, rhizoplane and root cortex, and that microbial traits could have synergistic effects with the beneficial effect of specific root phenotypes. Oxygen and water content, carbon rhizodeposition, nutrient availability, and root surface area are all factors that are modified by root anatomy and architecture and determine the structure and function of the associated microbial communities. Recent research results indicate that root characteristics that may modify microbial communities associated with maize include aerenchyma, rooting angle, root hairs, and lateral root branching density. Therefore, the selection of root phenotypes linked to better plant growth under specific edaphic conditions should be accompanied by investigating and selecting microbial partners better adapted to each set of conditions created by the corresponding root phenotype. Microbial traits such as nitrogen transformation, phosphorus solubilization, and water retention could have synergistic effects when correctly matched with promising plant root ideotypes for improved nutrient and water capture. We propose that elucidation of the interactive effects of root phenotypes and microbial functions on plant nutrient and water uptake offers new opportunities to increase crop yields and agroecosystem sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Galindo-Castañeda
- Sustainable Agroecosystems, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Environmental System Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan P. Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Johan Six
- Sustainable Agroecosystems, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Environmental System Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Hartmann
- Sustainable Agroecosystems, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Environmental System Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Strock CF, Rangarajan H, Black CK, Schäfer ED, Lynch JP. Theoretical evidence that root penetration ability interacts with soil compaction regimes to affect nitrate capture. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:315-330. [PMID: 34850823 PMCID: PMC8835659 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although root penetration of strong soils has been intensively studied at the scale of individual root axes, interactions between soil physical properties and soil foraging by whole plants are less clear. Here we investigate how variation in the penetration ability of distinct root classes and bulk density profiles common to real-world soils interact to affect soil foraging strategies. METHODS We utilize the functional-structural plant model 'OpenSimRoot' to simulate the growth of maize (Zea mays) root systems with variable penetration ability of axial and lateral roots in soils with (1) uniform bulk density, (2) plow pans and (3) increasing bulk density with depth. We also modify the availability and leaching of nitrate to uncover reciprocal interactions between these factors and the capture of mobile resources. KEY RESULTS Soils with plow pans and bulk density gradients affected overall size, distribution and carbon costs of the root system. Soils with high bulk density at depth impeded rooting depth and reduced leaching of nitrate, thereby improving the coincidence of nitrogen and root length. While increasing penetration ability of either axial or lateral root classes produced root systems of comparable net length, improved penetration of axial roots increased allocation of root length in deeper soil, thereby amplifying N acquisition and shoot biomass. Although enhanced penetration ability of both root classes was associated with greater root system carbon costs, the benefit to plant fitness from improved soil exploration and resource capture offset these. CONCLUSIONS While lateral roots comprise the bulk of root length, axial roots function as a scaffold determining the distribution of these laterals. In soils with high soil strength and leaching, root systems with enhanced penetration ability of axial roots have greater distribution of root length at depth, thereby improving capture of mobile resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Strock
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Harini Rangarajan
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Christopher K Black
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ernst D Schäfer
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jonathan P Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
| |
Collapse
|