Nitrogen utilization of potato genotypes and expression analysis of genes controlling nitrogen assimilation

Significant differences in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were detected previously among potato cultivars. Exploration of the genetic background may facilitate the breeding of cultivars with highly effective nitrogen use.

Expression of NUE genes was analyzed at three different N-supply levels in five potato genotypes. Correlations of NUE gene expressions and agronomical parameters with such indices as the nitrogen uptake efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, NUE, and harvest indices were analyzed.

The correlations between expression level of the nitrate-reductase, nitrite-reductase, ammonium transporter, and asparagine synthase genes and different agronomically important parameters were detected.

Our results contribute to more rational, genotype-dependent nitrogen use in potato production and have relevance in breeding of new cultivars with better nitrogen utilization, as well as in production of seed potato.