1
|
Zhou S, Xia P, Chen J, Xiong Q, Li G, Tian J, Wu B, Zhou F. Optimizing nitrogen application position to change root distribution in soil and regulate maize growth and yield formation in a wide-narrow row cropping system: pot and field experiments. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1298249. [PMID: 38328700 PMCID: PMC10847348 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1298249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The wide-and narrow-row cropping technology used for maize has the advantages of protecting cultivated soil and improving the population structure in maize fields. However, the relationship between nitrogen application position and root interactions has not been determined. Through pot and field experiments, we evaluated the effects of two nitrogen application positions ((narrow row nitrogen application (RC) and wide row nitrogen application (RN)) and two nitrogen application regimens ((high nitrogen(HN) and low nitrogen(LN)) on root growth and yield composition of wide-narrow row maize during the flowering and harvest stages. In field experiments, RC increased the biomass, length and surface area of competing roots (narrow-row roots, CR) at the flowering stage. The yield and agronomic efficiency of N(AEN) and partial factor productivity of N(PFPN) were increased by RN compared to RC under HN, However, the AEN under LN was significantly lower; There was no significant effect on maize growth and biomass allocation at the same level of application of N. At the flowering stage, the results of CR and non-competing roots (wide-row roots, NCR) was consistent under pot experiments and the field experiments, and the yield under RN was also higher than that under RC, although the difference was not significant. Furthermore, according to the principal component analysis and correlation analysis, the competing roots were the main factor influencing yield and AEN. In conclusion, our study showed that RN is a useful fertilization method to improve overall productivity. All in all, how roots coordinate neighbors and nitrogen spatial heterogeneity is a complex ecological process, and its trophic behavior deserves further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bozhi Wu
- Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tang Y, Qin D, Tian Z, Chen W, Ma Y, Wang J, Yang J, Yan D, Dixon R, Wang YP. Diurnal switches in diazotrophic lifestyle increase nitrogen contribution to cereals. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7516. [PMID: 37980355 PMCID: PMC10657418 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43370-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncoupling of biological nitrogen fixation from ammonia assimilation is a prerequisite step for engineering ammonia excretion and improvement of plant-associative nitrogen fixation. In this study, we have identified an amino acid substitution in glutamine synthetase, which provides temperature sensitive biosynthesis of glutamine, the intracellular metabolic signal of the nitrogen status. As a consequence, negative feedback regulation of genes and enzymes subject to nitrogen regulation, including nitrogenase is thermally controlled, enabling ammonia excretion in engineered Escherichia coli and the plant-associated diazotroph Klebsiella oxytoca at 23 °C, but not at 30 °C. We demonstrate that this temperature profile can be exploited to provide diurnal oscillation of ammonia excretion when variant bacteria are used to inoculate cereal crops. We provide evidence that diurnal temperature variation improves nitrogen donation to the plant because the inoculant bacteria have the ability to recover and proliferate at higher temperatures during the daytime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Debin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhexian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wenxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yuanxi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianguo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Dalai Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ray Dixon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.
| | - Yi-Ping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences & School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu H, Zhu L, Cai G, Lv C, Yang H, Ren X, Hu B, Zhou X, Jiang T, Xiang Y, Wei R, Li L, Liu H, Muhammad I, Xia C, Lan H. Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the PP2C Family from Zea mays and Its Role in Long-Distance Signaling. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3153. [PMID: 37687398 PMCID: PMC10490008 DOI: 10.3390/plants12173153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) constitutes a large gene family that plays crucial roles in regulating stress responses and plant development. A recent study has shown the involvement of an AtPP2C family member in long-distance nitrogen signaling in Arabidopsis. However, it remains unclear whether maize adopts a similar mechanism. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide survey and expression analysis of the PP2C family in maize. We identified 103 ZmPP2C genes distributed across 10 chromosomes, which were further classified into 11 subgroups based on an evolutionary tree. Notably, cis-acting element analysis revealed the presence of abundant hormone and stress-related, as well as nitrogen-related, cis-elements in the promoter regions of ZmPP2Cs. Expression analysis demonstrated the distinct expression patterns of nine genes under two nitrogen treatments. Notably, the expression of ZmPP2C54 and ZmPP2C85 in the roots was found to be regulated by long-distance signals from the shoots. These findings provide valuable insights into understanding the roles of ZmPP2Cs in long-distance nitrogen signaling in maize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Ling Zhu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Guiping Cai
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Chenxi Lv
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Huan Yang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Ren
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Bo Hu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Xuemei Zhou
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Yong Xiang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Rujun Wei
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Lujiang Li
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Hailan Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Imran Muhammad
- Department of Chemistry, Punjab College of Science, Faisalabad 54000, Pakistan
| | - Chao Xia
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
| | - Hai Lan
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Griffiths M, Liu AE, Gunn SL, Mutan NM, Morales EY, Topp CN. A temporal analysis and response to nitrate availability of 3D root system architecture in diverse pennycress ( Thlaspi arvense L.) accessions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1145389. [PMID: 37426970 PMCID: PMC10327891 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1145389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Roots have a central role in plant resource capture and are the interface between the plant and the soil that affect multiple ecosystem processes. Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is a diploid annual cover crop species that has potential utility for reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses; and has rich seeds (30-35% oil) amenable to biofuel production and as a protein animal feed. The objective of this research was to (1) precisely characterize root system architecture and development, (2) understand plastic responses of pennycress roots to nitrate nutrition, (3) and determine genotypic variance available in root development and nitrate plasticity. Methods Using a root imaging and analysis pipeline, the 4D architecture of the pennycress root system was characterized under four nitrate regimes, ranging from zero to high nitrate concentrations. These measurements were taken at four time points (days 5, 9, 13, and 17 after sowing). Results Significant nitrate condition response and genotype interactions were identified for many root traits, with the greatest impact observed on lateral root traits. In trace nitrate conditions, a greater lateral root count, length, density, and a steeper lateral root angle was observed compared to high nitrate conditions. Additionally, genotype-by-nitrate condition interaction was observed for root width, width:depth ratio, mean lateral root length, and lateral root density. Discussion These findings illustrate root trait variance among pennycress accessions. These traits could serve as targets for breeding programs aimed at developing improved cover crops that are responsive to nitrate, leading to enhanced productivity, resilience, and ecosystem service.
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu J, Wang X, Zhu H, Yu F. Maize Genotypes With Different Zinc Efficiency in Response to Low Zinc Stress and Heterogeneous Zinc Supply. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:736658. [PMID: 34691112 PMCID: PMC8531504 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.736658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
All over the world, a common problem in the soil is the low content of available zinc (Zn), which is unevenly distributed and difficult to move. However, information on the foraging strategies of roots in response to heterogeneous Zn supply is still very limited. Few studies have analyzed the adaptability of maize inbred lines with different Zn efficiencies to different low Zn stress time lengths in maize. This study analyzed the effects of different time lengths of low Zn stress on various related traits in different inbred lines. In addition, morphological plasticity of roots and the response of Zn-related important gene iron-regulated transporter-like proteins (ZIPs) were studied via simulating the heterogeneity of Zn nutrition in the soil. In this report, when Zn deficiency stress duration was extended (from 14 to 21 days), under Zn-deficient supply (0.5 μM), Zn efficiency (ZE) based on shoot dry weight of Wu312 displayed no significant difference, and ZE for Ye478 was increased by 92.9%. Under longer-term Zn deficiency, shoot, and root dry weights of Ye478 were 6.5 and 2.1-fold higher than those of Wu312, respectively. Uneven Zn supply strongly inhibited the development of some root traits in the -Zn region. Difference in shoot dry weights between Wu312 and Ye478 was larger in T1 (1.97 times) than in T2 (1.53 times). Under heterogeneous condition of Zn supply, both the -Zn region and the +Zn region upregulated the expressions of ZmZIP3, ZmZIP4, ZmZIP5, ZmZIP7, and ZmZIP8 in the roots of two inbred lines. These results indicate that extended time length of low-Zn stress will enlarge the difference of multiple physiological traits, especially biomass, between Zn-sensitive and Zn-tolerant inbred lines. There were significant genotypic differences of root morphology in response to heterogeneous Zn supply. Compared with split-supply with +Zn/+Zn, the difference of above-ground biomass between Zn-sensitive and Zn-tolerant inbred lines under split-supply with -Zn/+Zn was higher. Under the condition of heterogeneous Zn supply, several ZmZIP genes may play important roles in tolerance to low Zn stress, which can provide a basis for further functional characterization.
Collapse
|
6
|
Prinsi B, Muratore C, Espen L. Biochemical and Proteomic Changes in the Roots of M4 Grapevine Rootstock in Response to Nitrate Availability. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10040792. [PMID: 33920578 PMCID: PMC8073184 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In agricultural soils, nitrate (NO3-) is the major nitrogen (N) nutrient for plants, but few studies have analyzed molecular and biochemical responses involved in its acquisition by grapevine roots. In viticulture, considering grafting, NO3- acquisition is strictly dependent on rootstock. To improve the knowledge about N nutrition in grapevine, this study analyzed biochemical and proteomic changes induced by, NO3- availability, in a hydroponic system, in the roots of M4, a recently selected grapevine rootstock. The evaluation of biochemical parameters, such as NO3-, sugar and amino acid contents in roots, and the abundance of nitrate reductase, allowed us to define the time course of the metabolic adaptations to NO3- supply. On the basis of these results, the proteomic analysis was conducted by comparing the root profiles in N-starved plants and after 30 h of NO3- resupply. The analysis quantified 461 proteins, 26% of which differed in abundance between conditions. Overall, this approach highlighted, together with an increased N assimilatory metabolism, a concomitant rise in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis, needed to fulfill the redox power and carbon skeleton demands, respectively. Moreover, a wide modulation of protein and amino acid metabolisms and changes of proteins involved in root development were observed. Finally, some results open new questions about the importance of redox-related post-translational modifications and of NO3- availability in modulating the dialog between root and rhizosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Espen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-503-16610
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu B, Wu J, Yang S, Schiefelbein J, Gan Y. Nitrate regulation of lateral root and root hair development in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:4405-4414. [PMID: 31796961 PMCID: PMC7382377 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important macronutrients for plant growth and development. However, the concentration and distribution of N varies in soil due to a variety of environmental factors. In response, higher plants have evolved a developmentally flexible root system to efficiently take up N under N-limited conditions. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding this form of plant 'root-foraging' behavior, which is controlled by both a local and a long-distance systemic nitrate signaling pathway. In this review, we focus on the key components of nitrate perception, signaling, and transduction and its role in lateral root development. We also highlight recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of the nitrate systemic signaling pathway, including small signaling peptides involved in long-distance shoot-root communication. Furthermore, we summarize the transcription factor networks responsible for nitrate-dependent lateral root and root hair development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Wu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuaiqi Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - John Schiefelbein
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Correspondence: or
| | - Yinbo Gan
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Asim M, Ullah Z, Oluwaseun A, Wang Q, Liu H. Signalling Overlaps between Nitrate and Auxin in Regulation of The Root System Architecture: Insights from the Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2880. [PMID: 32326090 PMCID: PMC7215989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) and auxin are key regulators of root growth and development, modulating the signalling cascades in auxin-induced lateral root formation. Auxin biosynthesis, transport, and transduction are significantly altered by nitrate. A decrease in nitrate (NO3-) supply tends to promote auxin translocation from shoots to roots and vice-versa. This nitrate mediated auxin biosynthesis regulating lateral roots growth is induced by the nitrate transporters and its downstream transcription factors. Most nitrate responsive genes (short-term and long-term) are involved in signalling overlap between nitrate and auxin, thereby inducing lateral roots initiation, emergence, and development. Moreover, in the auxin signalling pathway, the varying nitrate supply regulates lateral roots development by modulating the auxin accumulation in the roots. Here, we focus on the roles of nitrate responsive genes in mediating auxin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis root, and the mechanism involved in the transport of auxin at different nitrate levels. In addition, this review also provides an insight into the significance of nitrate responsive regulatory module and their downstream transcription factors in root system architecture in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asim
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (M.A.); (Z.U.)
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zia Ullah
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (M.A.); (Z.U.)
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Aluko Oluwaseun
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (M.A.); (Z.U.)
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (M.A.); (Z.U.)
| | - Haobao Liu
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; (M.A.); (Z.U.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dowd TG, Braun DM, Sharp RE. Maize lateral root developmental plasticity induced by mild water stress. I: Genotypic variation across a high-resolution series of water potentials. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2019; 42:2259-2273. [PMID: 29981147 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lateral root developmental plasticity induced by mild water stress was examined across a high-resolution series of growth media water potentials (Ψw ) in two genotypes of maize. The suitability of several media for imposing near-stable Ψw treatments on transpiring plants over prolonged growth periods was assessed. Genotypic differences specific to responses of lateral root growth from the primary root system occurred between cultivars FR697 and B73 over a narrow series of water stress treatments ranging in Ψw from -0.25 to -0.40 MPa. In FR697, both the average length and number of first-order lateral roots were substantially enhanced at a Ψw of -0.25 MPa compared with well-watered controls. These effects were separated spatially, occurring primarily in the upper and lower regions of the axial root, respectively. Furthermore, first-order lateral roots progressively increased in diameter with increasing water stress, resulting in a maximum 2.3-fold increase in root volume at a Ψw of -0.40 MPa. In B73, in contrast, the length, diameter, nor number of lateral roots was increased in any of the water stress treatments. The genotype-specific responses observed over this narrow range of Ψw demonstrate the necessity of high-resolution studies at mild stress levels for characterization of lateral root developmental plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G Dowd
- Divisions of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - David M Braun
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Robert E Sharp
- Divisions of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Santos Teixeira JA, Ten Tusscher KH. The Systems Biology of Lateral Root Formation: Connecting the Dots. MOLECULAR PLANT 2019; 12:784-803. [PMID: 30953788 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The root system is a major determinant of a plant's access to water and nutrients. The architecture of the root system to a large extent depends on the repeated formation of new lateral roots. In this review, we discuss lateral root development from a systems biology perspective. We focus on studies combining experiments with computational modeling that have advanced our understanding of how the auxin-centered regulatory modules involved in different stages of lateral root development exert their specific functions. Moreover, we discuss how these regulatory networks may enable robust transitions from one developmental stage to the next, a subject that thus far has received limited attention. In addition, we analyze how environmental factors impinge on these modules, and the different manners in which these environmental signals are being integrated to enable coordinated developmental decision making. Finally, we provide some suggestions for extending current models of lateral root development to incorporate multiple processes and stages. Only through more comprehensive models we can fully elucidate the cooperative effects of multiple processes on later root formation, and how one stage drives the transition to the next.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Santos Teixeira
- Computational Developmental Biology Group, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K H Ten Tusscher
- Computational Developmental Biology Group, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu P, Hochholdinger F, Li C. Plasticity of Lateral Root Branching in Maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:363. [PMID: 30984221 PMCID: PMC6449698 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Extensively branched root systems can efficiently capture soil resources by increasing their absorbing surface in soil. Lateral roots are the roots formed from pericycle cells of other roots that can be of any type. As a consequence, lateral roots provide a higher surface to volume ratio and are important for water and nutrients acquisition. Discoveries from recent studies have started to shed light on how plant root systems respond to environmental changes in order to improve capture of soil resources. In this Mini Review, we will mainly focus on the spatial distribution of lateral roots of maize and their developmental plasticity in response to the availability of water and nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- Crop Functional Genomics, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Hochholdinger
- Crop Functional Genomics, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Chunjian Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wei S, Wang X, Li G, Jiang D, Dong S. Maize Canopy Apparent Photosynthesis and 13C-Photosynthate Reallocation in Response to Different Density and N Rate Combinations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1113. [PMID: 31608081 PMCID: PMC6761910 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate planting density and nitrogen (N) supply are critical factors optimizing yield in crop cultivation. To advance the knowledge of maize plants under different density and N rate combinations, responses of canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP), and assimilate redistribution characters (by 13CO2 stable isotope tracing) were investigated. In this study, two maize varieties DH618 and DH605 were grown at various planting densities (6.75, 8.25, 9.75, and 11.25 pl m-2) and N application rates (0, 180, 270, 360, and 540 kg ha-1) during 2013-2015. Maize grain yield (GY) was maximized at a density of 9.75 pl m-2 with 180-360 kg ha-1 N during the three study years. Maize GY, biomass, CAP, leaf area index (LAI), and 13C-photosynthate reallocation all responded more intensively to density than N rate, but the N response differed between varieties. We established links among CAP, LAI and biomass, and GY and kernel number per unit area (KNA). CAP depended on high LAI and enzyme activities for photosynthesis, yet both N deficiency and N excess had inhibitory effects. Besides, relations between 13C-photosynthate reallocation and yield components were executed. High density increased the 13C-photosynthate distribution in vegetative organs but reduced the allocation in ear, while N supply moderated the response. Based on our results, maize plants with greater CAP, more 13C-photosynthate distribution to ears, and less 13C-photosynthate distribution to stems under different density and N rate combinations could improve KNA and achieve a greater GY consequently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wei
- College of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Management, Ministry of Agriculture/Hi-Tech Key Laboratory of Information Agriculture of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agriculture, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agriculture, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guanghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agriculture, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Dong Jiang
- College of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Management, Ministry of Agriculture/Hi-Tech Key Laboratory of Information Agriculture of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Dong Jiang, ; Shuting Dong,
| | - Shuting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agriculture, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- *Correspondence: Dong Jiang, ; Shuting Dong,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hochholdinger F, Yu P, Marcon C. Genetic Control of Root System Development in Maize. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 23:79-88. [PMID: 29170008 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The maize root system comprises structurally and functionally different root types. Mutant analyses have revealed that root-type-specific genetic regulators intrinsically determine the maize root system architecture. Molecular cloning of these genes has demonstrated that key elements of auxin signal transduction, such as LOB domain (LBD) and Aux/IAA proteins, are instrumental for seminal, shoot-borne, and lateral root initiation. Moreover, genetic analyses have demonstrated that genes related to exocytotic vesicle docking, cell wall loosening, and cellulose synthesis and organization control root hair elongation. The identification of upstream regulators, protein interaction partners, and downstream targets of these genes together with cell-type-specific transcriptome analyses have provided novel insights into the regulatory networks controlling root development and architecture in maize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hochholdinger
- INRES, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Peng Yu
- INRES, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Caroline Marcon
- INRES, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cao H, Qi S, Sun M, Li Z, Yang Y, Crawford NM, Wang Y. Overexpression of the Maize ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8 Can Complement the Arabidopsis Nitrate Regulatory Mutant nlp7 by Restoring Nitrate Signaling and Assimilation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1703. [PMID: 29051766 PMCID: PMC5634353 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is a key nutrient that affects maize growth and yield, and much has yet to be learned about nitrate regulatory genes and mechanisms in maize. Here, we identified nine ZmNLP genes in maize and analyzed the functions of two ZmNLP members in nitrate signaling. qPCR results revealed a broad pattern of expression for ZmNLP genes in different stages and organs with the highest levels of transcript expression of ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8. When ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8 were overexpressed in the Arabidopsis nitrate regulatory gene mutant nlp7-4, nitrate assimilation and induction of nitrate-responsive genes in the transgenic plants were recovered to WT levels, indicating that ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8 can replace the essential roles of the master nitrate regulatory gene AtNLP7 in nitrate signaling and metabolism. ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8 are localized in the nucleus and can bind candidate nitrate-responsive cis-elements in vitro. The biomass and yield of transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8 showed significant increase compared with WT and nlp7-4 mutant line in low nitrate conditions. Thus, ZmNLP6 and ZmNLP8 regulate nitrate signaling in transgenic Arabidopsis plants and may be potential candidates for improving nitrogen use efficiency of maize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huairong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Shengdong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Mengwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Zehui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Nigel M. Crawford
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun CH, Yu JQ, Hu DG. Nitrate: A Crucial Signal during Lateral Roots Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:485. [PMID: 28421105 PMCID: PMC5379155 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Root plasticity is an important trait for plants to forage nutrient and adapt to survival in a complicated environment. Lateral roots (LRs) are generally more sensitive than primary roots in response to changing environmental conditions. As the main source of nitrogen for most higher plants, nitrate acting as a signal has received great attention in the regulation of LR development. In general, there are dual effects including stimulatory and inhibitory of low nitrate on LR development; while high nitrate supply has an inhibitory effect on LR development; nitrate heterogeneity also has a stimulatory effect on LR development in [Formula: see text]- rich zone. Here, we focus on recent progresses in the role of a nitrate signal in the regulation of the LRs development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Hui Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural UniversityTai’An, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Yu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Shandong Agricultural UniversityTai’An, China
| | - Da-Gang Hu
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural UniversityTai’An, China
- *Correspondence: Da-Gang Hu,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yu P, Gutjahr C, Li C, Hochholdinger F. Genetic Control of Lateral Root Formation in Cereals. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 21:951-961. [PMID: 27524642 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cereals form complex root systems composed of different root types. Lateral root formation is a major determinant of root architecture and is instrumental for the efficient uptake of water and nutrients. Positioning and patterning of lateral roots and cell types involved in their formation are unique in monocot cereals. Recent discoveries advanced the molecular understanding of the intrinsic genetic control of initiation and elongation of lateral roots in cereals by distinct, in part root-type-specific genetic programs. Moreover, molecular networks modulating the plasticity of lateral root formation in response to water and nutrient availability and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization have been identified. These novel discoveries provide a better mechanistic understanding of postembryonic lateral root development in cereals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- China Agricultural University, College of Resources and Environmental Science, Department of Plant Nutrition, 100193 Beijing, China; University of Bonn, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Crop Functional Genomics, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Chunjian Li
- China Agricultural University, College of Resources and Environmental Science, Department of Plant Nutrition, 100193 Beijing, China.
| | - Frank Hochholdinger
- University of Bonn, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Crop Functional Genomics, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Le Marié C, Kirchgessner N, Flütsch P, Pfeifer J, Walter A, Hund A. RADIX: rhizoslide platform allowing high throughput digital image analysis of root system expansion. PLANT METHODS 2016; 12:40. [PMID: 27602051 PMCID: PMC5011878 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-016-0140-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenotyping of genotype-by-environment interactions in the root-zone is of major importance for crop improvement as the spatial distribution of a plant's root system is crucial for a plant to access water and nutrient resources of the soil. However, so far it is unclear to what extent genetic variations in root system responses to spatially varying soil resources can be utilized for breeding applications. Among others, one limiting factor is the absence of phenotyping platforms allowing the analysis of such interactions. RESULTS We developed a system that is able to (a) monitor root and shoot growth synchronously, (b) investigate their dynamic responses and (c) analyse the effect of heterogeneous N distribution to parts of the root system in a split-nutrient setup with a throughput (200 individual maize plants at once) sufficient for mapping of quantitative trait loci or for screens of multiple environmental factors. In a test trial, 24 maize genotypes were grown under split nitrogen conditions and the response of shoot and root growth was investigated. An almost double elongation rate of crown and lateral roots was observed under high N for all genotypes. The intensity of genotype-specific responses varied strongly. For example, elongation of crown roots differed almost two times between the fastest and slowest growing genotype. A stronger selective root placement in the high-N compartment was related to an increased shoot development indicating that early vigour might be related to a more intense foraging behaviour. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, RADIX is the only system currently existing which allows studying the differential response of crown roots to split-nutrient application to quantify foraging behaviour in genome mapping or selection experiments. In doing so, changes in root and shoot development and the connection to plant performance can be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Le Marié
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Kirchgessner
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Flütsch
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Pfeifer
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Walter
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hund
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pan X, Zheng H, Zhao J, Xu Y, Li X. ZmCCD7/ZpCCD7 encodes a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase mediating shoot branching. PLANTA 2016; 243:1407-18. [PMID: 26895334 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-016-2479-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
ZmCCD7/ZpCCD7 encodes a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase that may mediate strigolactone biosynthesis highly responsive to phosphorus deficiency and undergoes negative selection over domestication from Zea ssp. parviglumis to Zea mays. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 7 (CCD7) functions to suppress shoot branching by controlling strigolactone biosynthesis. However, little is known about CCD7 and its functions in maize and its ancestor (Zea ssp. parviglumis) with numerous shoot branches. We found that ZmCCD7 and ZpCCD7 had the same coding sequence, indicating negative selection of the CCD7 gene over domestication from Zea ssp. parviglumis to Zea mays. CCD7 expression was highly responsive to phosphorus deficiency in both species, especially in the meristematic zone and the pericycle of the elongation zone of maize roots. Notably, the crown root had the strongest ZmCCD7 expression in the meristematic zone under phosphorus limitation. Transient expression of GFP tagged ZmCCD7/ZpCCD7 in maize protoplasts indicated their localization in the plastid. Further, ZmCCD7/ZpCCD7 efficiently catalyzed metabolism of six different linear and cyclic carotenoids in E. coli, and generated β-ionone by cleaving β-carotene at the 9,10 (9',10') position. Together with suppression of shoot branching in the max3 mutant by transformation of ZmCCD7/ZpCCD7, our work suggested that ZmCCD7/ZpCCD7 encodes a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase mediating strigolactone biosynthesis in maize and its ancestor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Pan
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongyan Zheng
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianyu Zhao
- Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanjun Xu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuexian Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu H, Tang C, Li C. The effects of nitrogen form on root morphological and physiological adaptations of maize, white lupin and faba bean under phosphorus deficiency. AOB PLANTS 2016; 8:plw058. [PMID: 27519912 PMCID: PMC5018397 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plw058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Root morphological/physiological modifications are important for phosphorus (P) acquisition of plants under P deficiency, but strategies differ among plant species. Detailed studies on the response of maize roots to P deficiency are limited. Nitrogen (N) form influences root morphology/physiology, and thus may influence root responses to P deficiency. This work investigated adaptive mechanisms of maize roots to low P by comparison with white lupin and faba bean supplied with two N forms. Plants were grown for 7-16 days in hydroponics with sufficient (250 µmol L(-1)) and deficient P supply (1 µmol L(-1)) under supply of NH4NO3 or Ca(NO3)2 Plant growth and P uptake were measured, and release of protons and organic acid anions, and acid phosphatase activity in the root were monitored. The results showed that P deficiency significantly decreased shoot growth while increased root growth and total root length of maize and faba bean, but not white lupin. It enhanced the release of protons and organic acid anions, and acid phosphatase activity, from the roots of both legumes but not maize. Compared with Ca(NO3)2, NH4NO3 dramatically increased proton release by roots but did not alter root morphology or physiology of the three species in response to low P. It is concluded that the N form did not fundamentally change root morphological/physiological responses of the three species to P deficiency. Morphological variation in maize and morpho-physiological modifications in white lupin and faba bean were the main adaptive strategies to P deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Liu
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Caixian Tang
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Chunjian Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rodríguez-Andrade O, Fuentes-Ramírez LE, Morales-García YE, Molina-Romero D, Bustillos-Cristales MR, Martínez-Contreras RD, Muñoz-Rojas J. The decrease in the population of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus in sugarcane after nitrogen fertilization is related to plant physiology in split root experiments. Rev Argent Microbiol 2015; 47:335-43. [PMID: 26652262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been established that a decrease in the population of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus associated with sugarcane occurs after nitrogen fertilization. This fact could be due to a direct influence of NH(4)NO(3) on bacterial cells or to changes in plant physiology after fertilizer addition, affecting bacterial establishment. In this work, we observed that survival of G. diazotrophicus was directly influenced when 44.8mM of NH(4)NO(3) (640mgN/plant) was used for in vitro experiments. Furthermore, micropropagated sugarcane plantlets were inoculated with G. diazotrophicus and used for split root experiments, in which both ends of the system were fertilized with a basal level of NH(4)NO(3) (0.35mM; 10mgN/plant). Twenty days post inoculation (dpi) one half of the plants were fertilized with a high dose of NH(4)NO(3) (6.3mM; 180 mgN/plant) on one end of the system. This nitrogen level was lower than that directly affecting G. diazotrophicus cells; however, it caused a decrease in the bacterial population in comparison with control plants fertilized with basal nitrogen levels. The decrease in the population of G. diazotrophicus was higher in pots fertilized with a basal nitrogen level when compared with the corresponding end supplied with high levels of NH4NO3 (100dpi; 80 days post fertilization) of the same plant system. These observations suggest that the high nitrogen level added to the plants induce systemic physiological changes that affect the establishment of G. diazotrophicus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Rodríguez-Andrade
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Luis E Fuentes-Ramírez
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Yolanda E Morales-García
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Dalia Molina-Romero
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - María R Bustillos-Cristales
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Rebeca D Martínez-Contreras
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Jesús Muñoz-Rojas
- Laboratorio Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM)-Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yu P, Hochholdinger F, Li C. Root-type-specific plasticity in response to localized high nitrate supply in maize (Zea mays). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2015; 116:751-62. [PMID: 26346717 PMCID: PMC4590331 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcv127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Shoot-borne roots contribute to most of the nutrient uptake throughout the life cycle of maize (Zea mays). Compared with numerous studies with embryonic roots, detailed information on the phenotypic plasticity of shoot-borne roots in response to a heterogeneous nitrogen supply is scarce. The present study therefore provides a comprehensive profile of fine-scale plastic responses of distinct root types to localized high nitrate supply. METHODS Seedlings of the maize inbred line B73 were grown in split-root systems. The anatomy and morphological plasticity of the primary root and the roots initiated from the 2nd, 5th and 7th shoot nodes, and their lateral roots, were studied in response to local high nitrate supply to one side of the root system. KEY RESULTS In contrast to the insensitivity of axial roots, local high nitrate supply increased the length of 1st-order lateral roots on the primary root and the three whorls of shoot-borne roots at different growth stages, and increased the density of 1st-order lateral roots on the 7th shoot-borne root after silking. The length and density of 2nd-order lateral roots on the three whorls of shoot-borne roots displayed a more flexible response to local high nitrate than 1st-order lateral roots. Root diameter and number, and total area and diameter of metaxylem vessels increased from the primary root to early and then later developed shoot-borne roots, which showed a positive relationship with shoot growth and N accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Maize axial roots and lateral roots responded differently to local high nitrate, and this was related to their function. The extent of morphological plasticity of lateral roots in response to local high nitrate depended on the initiation time of the shoot-borne roots on which the lateral roots developed. Morphological plasticity was higher on 2nd-order than on 1st-order lateral roots. The results suggest that higher order lateral root branching might be a potential target for genetic improvement in future maize breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, PR China and Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Division of Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, D-53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Hochholdinger
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Division of Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, D-53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Chunjian Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, PR China and
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
in 't Zandt D, Le Marié C, Kirchgessner N, Visser EJW, Hund A. High-resolution quantification of root dynamics in split-nutrient rhizoslides reveals rapid and strong proliferation of maize roots in response to local high nitrogen. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2015; 66:5507-17. [PMID: 26105997 PMCID: PMC4585423 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erv307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The plant's root system is highly plastic, and can respond to environmental stimuli such as high nitrogen (N) in patches. A root may respond to an N patch by selective placement of new lateral roots, and therewith increases root N uptake. This may be a desirable trait in breeding programmes, since it decreases NO3(-) leaching and N2O emission. Roots of maize (Zea mays L.) were grown without N in split-nutrient rhizoslides. One side of the slides was exposed to high N after 15 d of root development, and root elongation was measured for another 15 d, described in a time course model and parameterized. The elongation rates of crown axile roots on the N-treated side of the plant followed a logistic increase to a maximum of 5.3cm d(-1); 95% of the maximum were reached within 4 d. At the same time, on the untreated side, axile root elongation dropped linearly to 1.2cm d(-1) within 6.4 d and stayed constant thereafter. Twice as many lateral roots were formed on the crown axis on the N side compared to the untreated side. Most strikingly, the elongation rates of laterals of the N side increased linearly with most of the roots reaching an asymptote ~8 d after start of the N treatment. By contrast, laterals on the side without N did not show any detectable elongation beyond the first day after their emergence. We conclude that split-nutrient rhizoslides have great potential to improve our knowledge about nitrogen responsiveness and selection for contrasting genotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina in 't Zandt
- Department of Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heijendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands Crop Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Le Marié
- Crop Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Kirchgessner
- Crop Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eric J W Visser
- Department of Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heijendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Hund
- Crop Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ning P, Li S, White PJ, Li C. Maize varieties released in different eras have similar root length density distributions in the soil, which are negatively correlated with local concentrations of soil mineral nitrogen. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121892. [PMID: 25799291 PMCID: PMC4370465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Larger, and deeper, root systems of new maize varieties, compared to older varieties, are thought to have enabled improved acquisition of soil resources and, consequently, greater grain yields. To compare the spatial distributions of the root systems of new and old maize varieties and their relationships with spatial variations in soil concentrations of available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), two years of field experiments were performed using six Chinese maize varieties released in different eras. Vertical distributions of roots, and available N, P and K in the 0-60 cm soil profile were determined in excavated soil monoliths at silking and maturity. The results demonstrated that new maize varieties had larger root dry weight, higher grain yield and greater nutrient accumulation than older varieties. All varieties had similar total root length and vertical root distribution at silking, but newer varieties maintained greater total root length and had more roots in the 30-60 cm soil layers at maturity. The spatial variation of soil mineral N (Nmin) in each soil horizon was larger than that of Olsen-P and ammonium-acetate-extractable K, and was inversely correlated with root length density (RLD), especially in the 0-20 cm soil layer. It was concluded that greater acquisition of mineral nutrients and higher yields of newer varieties were associated with greater total root length at maturity. The negative relationship between RLD and soil Nmin at harvest for all varieties suggests the importance of the spatial distribution of the root system for N uptake by maize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ning
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sa Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Philip J. White
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Chunjian Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yu P, White PJ, Li C. New insights to lateral rooting: Differential responses to heterogeneous nitrogen availability among maize root types. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2015; 10:e1013795. [PMID: 26443081 PMCID: PMC4883913 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2015.1013795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Historical domestication and the "Green revolution" have both contributed to the evolution of modern, high-performance crops. Together with increased irrigation and application of chemical fertilizers, these efforts have generated sufficient food for the growing global population. Root architecture, and in particular root branching, plays an important role in the acquisition of water and nutrients, plant performance, and crop yield. Better understanding of root growth and responses to the belowground environment could contribute to overcoming the challenges faced by agriculture today. Manipulating the abilities of crop root systems to explore and exploit the soil environment could enable plants to make the most of soil resources, increase stress tolerance and improve grain yields, while simultaneously reducing environmental degradation. In this article it is noted that the control of root branching, and the responses of root architecture to nitrate availability, differ between root types and between plant species. Since the control of root branching depends upon both plant species and root type, further work is urgently required to determine the appropriate genes to manipulate to improve resource acquisition by specific crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- Department of Plant Nutrition; China Agricultural University; Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Philip J White
- Ecological Sciences; The James Hutton Institute; Invergowrie, UK
- College of Science; King Saud University; Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Chunjian Li
- Department of Plant Nutrition; China Agricultural University; Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Correspondence to: Chunjian Li;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yu P, White PJ, Hochholdinger F, Li C. Phenotypic plasticity of the maize root system in response to heterogeneous nitrogen availability. PLANTA 2014; 240:667-78. [PMID: 25143250 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-014-2150-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mineral nutrients are distributed in a non-uniform manner in the soil. Plasticity in root responses to the availability of mineral nutrients is believed to be important for optimizing nutrient acquisition. The response of root architecture to heterogeneous nutrient availability has been documented in various plant species, and the molecular mechanisms coordinating these responses have been investigated particularly in Arabidopsis, a model dicotyledonous plant. Recently, progress has been made in describing the phenotypic plasticity of root architecture in maize, a monocotyledonous crop. This article reviews aspects of phenotypic plasticity of maize root system architecture, with special emphasis on describing (1) the development of its complex root system; (2) phenotypic responses in root system architecture to heterogeneous N availability; (3) the importance of phenotypic plasticity for N acquisition; (4) different regulation of root growth and nutrients uptake by shoot; and (5) root traits in maize breeding. This knowledge will inform breeding strategies for root traits enabling more efficient acquisition of soil resources and synchronizing crop growth demand, root resource acquisition and fertilizer application during crop growing season, thereby maximizing crop yields and nutrient-use efficiency and minimizing environmental pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- Department of Plant Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|