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Published on: November 10, 2016
Blocking ethylene perception enhances flooding tolerance in rice seedlings
Evangelina S Ella1, Naoyoshi Kawano2, Yasuo Yamauchi2
1Crop, Soil and Water Sciences Division, International Rice Research Institute, DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Ethylene triggers leaf yellowing in flood-intolerant rice. Inhibiting ethylene with 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP) reduced chlorophyll degradation and improved survival in submerged rice seedlings.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Flash flooding during rice cultivation in South and Southeast Asia impacts crop survival and yield.
- Ethylene production during submergence is linked to leaf chlorosis in intolerant rice cultivars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ethylene in chlorophyll degradation and plant survival during flash flooding in rice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of an ethylene inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP), in mitigating flood damage.
Main Methods:
- Two rice cultivars (FR13A - tolerant, IR42 - intolerant) were treated with MCP before 6-day submergence.
- Chlorophyll content, chlorophyllase activity, and gene expression were measured.
- Seedling survival was assessed after 21 days of recovery.
Main Results:
- MCP treatment reduced chlorophyll degradation and chlorophyllase activity/gene expression in the intolerant IR42 cultivar, improving survival.
- MCP did not affect underwater shoot expansion in IR42.
- The tolerant FR13A cultivar exhibited lower chlorophyllase activity and gene expression, suggesting inherent ethylene regulation.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene plays a significant role in flash flood-induced damage in rice.
- Targeting ethylene synthesis or sensitivity via molecular methods could enhance flood tolerance in rice cultivars.
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