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Modulating tiller formation in cereal crops by the signalling function of fertilizer nitrogen forms
Bernhard Bauer1,2, Nicolaus von Wirén3
1Molecular Plant Nutrition, Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466, Gatersleben, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|November 26, 2020
Summary
Nitrogen fertilizer form impacts cereal crop yield by influencing tiller number. Nitrate application significantly increases tiller number, mediated by cytokinin signaling, offering a management tool for crop production.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Agronomy
Background:
- Cereal crop yield is influenced by multiple components, with tiller number being highly sensitive to nitrogen fertilization.
- Understanding how different nitrogen forms affect tiller development is crucial for optimizing crop production and yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether different nitrogen forms can be used to manipulate tiller number in cereal crops.
- To explore the role of cytokinins in mediating the effect of nitrogen forms on tillering.
Main Methods:
- Hydroponic experiments with barley plants using different nitrogen forms (nitrate, urea, ammonium).
- Measurement of tiller number and root-to-shoot translocation of cytokinins.
- Field trials with winter wheat across four environments to validate findings.
- Genotypic variation assessment in 22 winter wheat cultivars.
Main Results:
- Exclusive nitrate supply significantly increased tiller number in barley compared to urea or ammonium.
- Tiller number positively correlated with cytokinin translocation, which was higher with nitrate supply.
- Nitrate fertilization increased winter wheat tiller number in a dose-dependent manner across field environments.
- Significant genotypic variation in nitrogen form-dependent tiller formation was observed in winter wheat.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen form significantly influences cereal crop tiller number, with nitrate being more effective than urea or ammonium.
- Cytokinin-mediated signaling pathways are involved in the differential effects of nitrogen forms on tillering.
- Fertilizer nitrogen form can be utilized as a management strategy to regulate tiller number in cereal crops.
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