Improving rice tolerance to potassium deficiency by enhancing OsHAK16p:WOX11-controlled root development

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Potassium deficiency restricts plant root growth and K uptake.
• WOX11 is a gene regulating root cell proliferation by integrating auxin and cytokinin signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of WOX11 ectopic expression on rice root architecture and potassium acquisition.
• To evaluate the potential of OsHAK16p:WOX11 transgenic rice for improving crop productivity in low K conditions.

Main Methods:

• Ectopic expression of WOX11 in rice using the OsHAK16 promoter.
• Analysis of root and shoot phenotypes, gene expression (RR, PIN, Aux/IAA, OsSUT, OsMST), and physiological parameters (K concentration, soluble sugar).
• Evaluation of plant growth, K uptake, and grain yield in low K soil.

Main Results:

• OsHAK16p:WOX11 transgenic rice exhibited enhanced root systems, increased root biomass, and higher root activity.
• Transgenic lines showed improved K concentrations in plants and increased soluble sugars in roots under low K supply.
• Expression of OsHAK16p:WOX11 significantly increased total K uptake (72%) and grain yield (24%-32%) in moderate K-deficient soil.

Conclusions:

• Ectopic expression of WOX11 promotes root growth and development, enhancing K acquisition efficiency.
• OsHAK16p:WOX11 transgenic rice offers a promising strategy for improving cereal crop productivity in potassium-limited environments.