Plant protein discovery could reduce need for fertilizer

Date:
September 4, 2020
Source:
University of Nottingham
Summary:
Researchers have discovered how a protein in plant roots controls
the uptake of minerals and water, a finding which could improve
the tolerance of agricultural crops to climate change and reduce
the need for chemical fertilizers.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Researchers have discovered how a protein in plant roots controls the
uptake of minerals and water, a finding which could improve the tolerance
of agricultural crops to climate change and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.


==========================================================================
The research, published in Current Biology, shows that members of the
blue copper proteins family, the Uclacyanins are vital in the formation
of Casparian strips. These strips are essential structures that control
mineral nutrient and water use efficiencies by forming tight seals
between cells in plants, blocking nutrients and water leaking between.

This is the first evidence showing the implications of this family in
the biosynthesis of lignin, one of the most abundant organic polymers
on earth.

This study reveals that the molecular machinery required for Casparian
strip lignin deposition is highly ordered by forming nano-domains which
can have a huge impact on plant nutrition, a finding that could help in
the development of crops that are efficient in taking in the nutrients
they need.

Food security represents a pressing global issue. Crop production
must double by 2050 to keep pace with global population growth. This
target is even more challenging given the impact of climate change on
water availability and the drive to reduce fertilizer inputs to make agriculture become more environmentally sustainable. In both cases,
developing crops with improved water and nutrient uptake efficiency
would provide a solution and this.

Guilhem Reyt from the School of Biosciences and Future Food Beacon at the University of Nottingham has led this research project, he says: "This
research is important in revealing the molecular mechanics underpinning
efforts to improve mineral nutrient and water use efficiencies and
enhanced stress tolerance, making crops more able to withstand flooding, drought, nutrient deficiencies and trace element toxicities.

Such improvements in agricultural and horticultural crops could also potentially benefit subsistence farmers with limited access to inorganic fertilizers which include nitrogen, phosphate and potassium and also
sulphur and magnesium. This would help to reduce the cost burden such fertilizers impose and reduce the environmental and ecological damage
their production and excess use causes. Improved water use efficiency
and stress tolerance will also improve yields for subsistence farmers cultivating marginal lands.

An improved understanding of how roots acquire important trace element and minerals should provide an important molecular mechanistic underpinning
to efforts to improve food quality by helping to increase the content
of essential mineral nutrients and reduce toxic trace elements in
food crops."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Nottingham. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Guilhem Reyt, Zhenfei Chao, Paulina Flis, Isai Salas-Gonza'lez,
Gabriel
Castrillo, Dai-Yin Chao, David E. Salt. Uclacyanin Proteins Are
Required for Lignified Nanodomain Formation within Casparian
Strips. Current Biology, 2020; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.07.095 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200904121324.htm

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