Researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have developed a method to improve nitrogen uptake and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in plants by modulating nitric oxide (NO) levels. This innovative approach, particularly effective in rice and Arabidopsis, aims to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural practices that rely heavily on nitrogen fertilizers.
The study indicates that current technologies for enhancing NUE often depend on agronomic practices, such as split doses of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to increased costs, environmental degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing these challenges, the NIPGR team explored alternative strategies to address food security while promoting environmental sustainability.
By systematically modulating NO levels, the researchers found that they could regulate nitrate transporters, specifically high-affinity transporters (HATs), to enhance nitrogen uptake. The study demonstrated that overexpressing phytoglobin, a natural NO scavenger, increased the expression of nitrate transporters such as NRT2.1 and NRT2.4, facilitating improved nitrogen absorption.
The research team, led by Dr. Jagannath Swain, Dr. Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti, Dr. Nidhi Yadav, and Dr. Sanjib Bal Samant, employed a pharmaceutical approach, treating wild-type plants with NO donor (SNAP) and NO scavenger (cPTIO) compounds to monitor changes in NUE. Results indicated that plants under low NO conditions showed enhanced nitrogen uptake, improved amino acid content, and overall growth.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the role of nitric oxide in activating high-affinity nitrate transporters during low nitrogen availability periods, thereby enhancing nitrogen utilization. Researchers are also investigating soil-based bacterial solutions that act as NO scavengers, providing a natural method to boost NUE.
Supported by funding from the ANRF, established through the ANRF Act of 2023, this research presents opportunities for innovative agricultural practices that reduce reliance on harmful fertilizers. Dr. Kapuganti noted that these novel NO-scavenging techniques could significantly lower nitrogen fertilizer usage while maintaining or increasing crop yields.