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UoH researchers identify mechanism to improve phosphate use efficiency in tomato crops

Hyderabad, Oct 6 (UNI) Researchers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on Tuesday said that they have identified a key molecular mechanism that regulates phosphate remobilisation in tomato plants, a finding that could help develop crop varieties capable of using internal phosphate reserves more efficiently and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.
The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, identified the tomato purple acid phosphatase gene PAP26b as a key regulator of phosphate transfer from older leaves to younger, growing tissues, the University said in a release here.
The research was carried out by Abhishek Roychowdhury and colleagues under the leadership of Prof Rahul Kumar of The Tomato Lab, Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, UoH.
Researchers found that when PAP26b was silenced, older leaves were unable to effectively remobilise stored phosphate. This triggered a phosphate-starvation response in young leaves and roots through the SlPHL1 and miR399 regulatory mechanisms, even when plants were grown under normal nutrient conditions.
The study also revealed tissue-specific phosphate signalling, with young leaves and roots responding to phosphate deficiency while older leaves of the same plant remained unaffected.
The researchers said the findings identified a potential genetic target for improving phosphate-use efficiency by manipulating the PAP26b-regulated SlSPX2–SlPHL1 pathway.
Phosphate is an essential nutrient for crop growth, while phosphate fertilisers are costly and rely on non-renewable resources.
The researchers said improved internal phosphate utilisation could potentially help reduce fertiliser requirements, lower input costs and limit the adverse effects of excessive fertiliser use on soil.
The study is titled Tomato purple acid phosphatase PAP26b mediates tissue-specific phosphate remobilization by modulating the SlSPX2–SlPHL1 regulatory module.
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