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Rice Stomatal Mega-Papillae Restrict Water Loss and Pathogen Entry
Mutiara K Pitaloka1, Emily L Harrison2, Christopher Hepworth3
1Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|June 21, 2021
Summary
Rice stomatal papillae, particularly "mega-papillae," influence gas exchange and offer defense against bacterial leaf streak. This novel trait, composed of silicon, could enhance future rice crop performance.
Area of Science:
- Plant anatomy
- Crop science
- Plant pathology
Background:
- Rice (Oryza sativa) is a major global crop requiring significant water resources.
- Stomata regulate gas exchange (CO2 uptake and water loss) in plants.
- Understanding stomatal complex traits can improve crop water use efficiency and resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify agronomic traits of rice stomatal complexes.
- To investigate the structure, composition, and function of stomatal papillae in rice.
- To assess the potential of stomatal papillae as a trait for improving rice cultivation.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical screening of 64 Thai and 100 global rice cultivars.
- Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry to determine papillae composition.
- Gas exchange measurements and pathogen infection assays (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola).
Main Results:
- Papillae were identified on stomatal subsidiary cells of all surveyed rice cultivars and other Oryza species.
- Two cultivars exhibited "mega-papillae" (large or numerous) occluding stomatal pores.
- Mega-papillae reduced stomatal conductance but did not significantly affect photosynthesis; they also aided in defense against bacterial leaf streak.
Conclusions:
- Stomatal mega-papillae are a novel rice trait influencing gas exchange and stomatal dynamics.
- These papillae, composed mainly of silicon, play a role in plant defense against pathogens.
- Stomatal mega-papillae hold potential for improving the performance and disease resistance of future rice crops.
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