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Updated: Feb 12, 2026
10:49
Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
Published on: March 6, 2014
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ZmPHR1 coordinates root-rhizosphere processes and phosphorus allocation to enhance phosphorus efficiency and yield in
Chenxi Fu1, Yan Sun1, Yanyan Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions (Ministry of Education), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Annals of Botany
|February 10, 2026
Summary
ZmPHR1 enhances phosphorus (P) efficiency in maize by optimizing root architecture and P remobilization. Overexpression boosts grain yield up to 48%, offering a target for P-efficient crop breeding.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) deficiency limits crop productivity, necessitating improved P efficiency for sustainable agriculture.
- ZmPHR1 is a key transcription factor in P signaling, but its whole-plant function is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of ZmPHR1 in coordinating plant-wide P responses from root to grain.
- To investigate the effects of ZmPHR1 modulation on maize P efficiency and yield.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create ZmPHR1 knockout (zmphr1) and overexpression (ZmPHR1-OE) maize lines.
- Analyzed root morphology, rhizosphere activity, P accumulation, and grain yield under varying P conditions.
Main Results:
- Loss of ZmPHR1 function reduced root growth, P uptake, and yield.
- ZmPHR1 overexpression improved root system architecture (e.g., narrower angle, deep-root biomass), enhanced rhizosphere acid phosphatase (APase) activity, and increased P acquisition under low P.
- Overexpression led to higher leaf P concentration, improved photosynthesis, and up to 48% greater grain yield, alongside enhanced P remobilization to grains.
Conclusions:
- ZmPHR1 integrates root development, rhizosphere function, and P redistribution to boost maize P efficiency and yield.
- ZmPHR1 is a potential target for breeding P-efficient maize varieties and optimizing P fertilizer strategies.
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