Nutrient Homeostasis of Aegilops Accessions Differing in B Tolerance Level under Boron Toxic Growth Conditions

Abstract

Boron (B) is a crucial microelement for several biological processes in plants; however, it becomes hazardous when present in excess in the soil. B toxicity adversely affects the wheat yield all around the world, particularly in the arid and semiarid regions. Aegilops, the nearest wild wheat relatives, could be an efficient source to develop B toxicity tolerance in modern cultivars. However, to potentially utilize these species, it is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms that are involved in providing them tolerance. Other than hampering cellular and physiological activities, high B inhibits the uptake of nutrients in wheat plants that lead to nutrients deficiency causing a hindered growth. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effect of B toxicity on nutrient uptake and finally, to understand the role of nutrient homeostasis in developing the adaptive mechanism in tolerant species. Unfortunately, none of the studies to date has explored the effect of high B supply on the nutrient uptake in B toxicity tolerant wild wheat species. In this study, we explored the effect of 1 mM B (toxic B), and 10 mM B (very toxic B) B on the nutrient uptake in 19 Aegilops genotypes differing in B tolerance in contrast to Bolal 2973, the familiar B tolerant genotype. The obtained outcomes suggested a significant association between the B toxicity tolerance and the level of nutrient uptake in different genotypes. The B toxicity tolerant genotypes, Ab2 (TGB 026219, A. biuncialis genotype) and Ac4 (TGB 000107, A. columnaris genotype) were clustered together in the nutrient homeostasis-based heat map. Though B toxicity mostly had an inhibitory effect on the uptake of nutrients in root-shoot tissues, the tolerant genotypes revealed an increase in nutrient uptake under B toxicity in contrast with Control. The study directs towards future research where the role of external supply of few nutrients in enhancing the B toxicity tolerance of susceptible genotypes can be studied. Moreover, the genotype-dependent variation in the nutrient profile of the studied Aegilops genotypes under high B suggested that increasing number of Aegilops germplasm should be screened for B toxicity tolerance for their successful inclusion in the pre-breeding programs focusing on this issue.

Exploring strigolactones for inducing abiotic stress tolerance in plants

“…While several studies discussed the endogenous production and exudation of SLs under low P and N stress, very limited studies are available on the ameliorating effects of exogenous SL and need to be further explored. Moreover, there are other severe nutrient stress suppressing agricultural production worldwide such as boron toxicity (Khan et al 2021), zinc and iron deficiency (Khan et al 2022) magnesium deficiency, etc. Surprisingly, the influence of external SLs on the plant responses under these nutrient stress conditions has not been studied at all and must be focused.…”

Role of Exogenous Nitric Oxide in Protecting Plants against Abiotic Stresses

“…Ca not only improved hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and NO content but also enhanced cysteine levels in seedlings that, finally, reduced ROS and improved antioxidant enzymes to reduce the symptoms of Cd stress. Boron (B) is a micronutrient whose deficiency and toxicity both are known to be affecting crop yields [153]. B toxicity enhances lipid peroxidation leading to membrane injury and an increase in oxidative stress in plants [1].…”

Harnessing stress-tolerant wild bananas for crop improvement

“…The CWRs are also crucial for ecosystem restoration, phytoremediation, and soil carbon sequestration. They are important sources of agronomic, stress tolerance, and nutrient quality traits, which are considered critical for food security and environmental sustainability (Scholten et al 2005;Khan et al 2022). Although studies on the genetic diversity of CWRs may facilitate breeding and conservation strategies, these aspects have not been adequately assessed (Table 1).…”

“…They are important sources of agronomic, stress tolerance, and nutrient quality traits, which are considered critical for food security and environmental sustainability (Scholten et al . 2005; Khan et al . 2022).…”