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Molecular mechanisms underpinning phosphorus‐use efficiency in rice
Author(s) -
Dissanayaka D.M.S.B.,
Plaxton William C.,
Lambers Hans,
Siebers Meike,
Marambe Buddhi,
Wasaki Jun
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1111/pce.13191
Subject(s) - phosphorus , biomass (ecology) , nutrient , agronomy , agriculture , limiting , crop , chemistry , biology , ecology , mechanical engineering , organic chemistry , engineering
Orthophosphate (H 2 PO 4 − , Pi) is an essential macronutrient integral to energy metabolism as well as a component of membrane lipids, nucleic acids, including ribosomal RNA, and therefore essential for protein synthesis. The Pi concentration in the solution of most soils worldwide is usually far too low for maximum growth of crops, including rice. This has prompted the massive use of inefficient, polluting, and nonrenewable phosphorus (P) fertilizers in agriculture. We urgently need alternative and more sustainable approaches to decrease agriculture's dependence on Pi fertilizers. These include manipulating crops by (a) enhancing the ability of their roots to acquire limiting Pi from the soil (i.e. increased P‐acquisition efficiency) and/or (b) increasing the total biomass/yield produced per molecule of Pi acquired from the soil (i.e. increased P‐use efficiency). Improved P‐use efficiency may be achieved by producing high‐yielding plants with lower P concentrations or by improving the remobilization of acquired P within the plant so as to maximize growth and biomass allocation to developing organs. Membrane lipid remodelling coupled with hydrolysis of RNA and smaller P‐esters in senescing organs fuels P remobilization in rice, the world's most important cereal crop.