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ABA is required for differential cell wall acidification associated with root hydrotropic bending in tomato
Ying Li1, Yadi Chen2, Shuqiu Jiang1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Physiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|September 14, 2023
Summary
Tomato roots exhibit hydrotropism, bending towards water. Abscisic acid (ABA) mediates this by influencing cell growth and proton efflux, crucial for water uptake in dry conditions.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Root development
- Plant physiology
Background:
- Hydrotropism is a vital plant root adaptation to water scarcity.
- Research has primarily focused on *Arabidopsis thaliana*, leaving other species understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of hydrotropism in tomato (*Solanum lycopersicum*) primary roots.
- To identify key genes and molecular pathways involved in tomato root hydrotropic responses.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing of tomato root tips under hydrostimulation.
- Analysis of gene expression differences between dry and wet sides of the root.
- Utilizing ABA biosynthesis inhibitors and mutants to assess ABA's role.
Main Results:
- Hydrostimulation promoted cell division and expansion on the dry side of the root tip.
- The abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis gene *ABA4* was upregulated on the dry side.
- ABA deficiency or inhibition reduced hydrotropic curvature and altered proton (H+) efflux patterns.
Conclusions:
- Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a critical role in mediating hydrotropism in tomato roots.
- ABA influences asymmetric proton (H+) efflux, directing root growth towards water sources.
- This study elucidates ABA-dependent hydrotropic signaling in a key crop species.
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