Phosphorus availability modulates OsPTF1 expression in Oryza sativa L.
摘要
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is staple food for half of the global population, making its sustainable production critical for global food security. Among major yield-limiting factors in rice cultivation are nutrient-deficient soils and widespread use of cultivars with low nutrient use efficiency. Moreover, the declining availability and geopolitical dependence on rock phosphate make its future supply uncertain. This study employed a combined field and laboratory approach to explore potential solutions for improving phosphorus use efficiency in rice. Germplasm serves as a valuable genetic resource to identify traits associated with enhanced plant performance under nutrient-limited conditions. Twenty rice genotypes were phenotyped under three phosphorus levels. Based on their performance, seven genotypes were selected for spatial and temporal analysis of OsPTF1 gene expression. The expression pattern of OsPTF1 varied between shoot and root tissues. Genotypes CY-M-09-006, INDO-NO-13032, DJ12320, and STIPWA were identified as more efficient phosphorus utilizers with enhanced OsPTF1 expression in root tissues under low phosphorus conditions. In contrast, local cultivars KSK-434 and Basmati 515, along with genotype SANTHI SUFAID, showed lesser adaptability to phosphorus deficient conditions and lower OsPTF1 expression. This signifies the need for development of phosphorus efficient cultivars exploiting efficient genotypes as genetic stock for breeding programs.