Effects of propiconazole on rice growth and gene expression in response to nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential macronutrients required for plant growth and development. Under N and inorganic phosphate (Pi) deficiencies, plants undergo adaptation at physiological, morphological, and transcriptional levels via modulation of endogenous signals, such as phytohormones, in an attempt to increase nutrient acquisition from the environment. Biosynthesis of brassinosteroid (BR), a class of plant hormones, has been shown to be crucial in nutrient deficiency responses in the plant model Arabidopsis. In this study, the responses of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to N and Pi deficiencies were investigated using rice seedlings grown in the presence and absence of a BR biosynthesis inhibitor, propiconazole (PPZ). Transcript levels of BR biosynthesis genes were induced by N and Pi deficiencies. PPZ-treated plants showed retarded growth in both sufficient and deficient conditions. Besides, gene expression of N-and Pi-deficiency-responsive genes was also attenuated by PPZ treatments. These results suggest that inhibition of BR biosynthesis by PPZ could restrain plant growth and adaptation in response to both N and Pi deficiencies.

Effect of phosphorus deficiency on allelopathic activity of lowland indica rice

“…In a recent work, the inhibition of rice biomass by low P availability was not detected in three-week old rice seedlings, while leaf Pi contents were significantly reduced [31]. However, growth suppression due to P deficiency has been detected in rice seedlings of some rice cultivars, consistent with the higher transcription of Pi deficiencyresponsive genes such as OsIPS1, OsSPX1, OsSQD2, OsPAP10, and OsPT8 [32]. Under P deficiency, rice seedlings acquire P from the seed.…”

The role of polyplexes in developing a green sustainable approach in agriculture

“…35 The high leachability of several forms of nitrogen in the soil makes them unavailable for absorption by crops and thus the need for exogenous application of the element through fertilizers is a common practice. 36,37 Availability of nitrogen to plants makes them more succulent and thereby more prone to be fed upon by the pests. 38 Excessive use of fertilizers is also responsible for creating disturbances in the crop canopy as well as the balance between the plant and animal communities.…”