Improving phosphorus use efficiency in agriculture: opportunities for breeding

Clemens C M Van De Wiel,C Gerard Van Der Linden,Olga E Scholten

doi:10.1007/s10681-015-1572-3

Abstract

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is often an important limiting factor for crop yields, but rock phosphate as fertilizer is a non-renewable resource and expected to become scarce in the future. High P input levels in agriculture have led to environmental problems. One of the ways to tackle these issues simultaneously is improving phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of the crops through breeding. In this review, we describe plant architectural and physiological traits important for PUE. Subsequently, we discuss efficient methods of screening for PUE traits. We address targeted cultivation methods, including solid and hydroponic systems, as well as testing methods, such as image analysis systems, and biomass and photosynthesis measurements. Genetic variation for PUE traits has been assessed in many crops, and genetics of PUE has been studied by quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses and genome-wide association study. A number of genes involved in the plant’s response to low P have been characterized. These genes include transcription factors, and genes involved in signal transduction, hormonal pathways, sugar signalling, P saving metabolic pathways, and in P scavenging, including transporters and metabolites and/or ATP-ases mobilizing P in the soil. In addition, the role of microorganisms promoting PUE of plants, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is discussed. An overview is given of methods for selecting for optimal combinations of plant and fungal genotypes, and their genetics, incl. QTLs and genes involved. In conclusion, significant progress has been made in selecting for traits for PUE, developing systems for the difficult but highly relevant root phenotyping, and in identifying QTLs and genes involved.

Highlights

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but uptake from soil can be difficult and an important limiting factor in achieving optimal yields in agriculture (Smit et al 2009)
phosphorus use efficiency (PUE)-related genes include transcription factors, genes involved in signal transduction, hormone-responsive factors, metabolic factors and proteins directly involved in P scavenging
PUE is a complex trait for plant breeding, with many potential interactions and trade-offs with other factors affecting crop yield, such as water use efficiency and energy balance (e.g. Jin et al 2005)

Summary

Introduction

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but uptake from soil can be difficult and an important limiting factor in achieving optimal yields in agriculture (Smit et al 2009). Another approach is improving phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of the crops themselves by genetic means, i.e. by plant breeding Based on their soil P model, Sattari et al (2012) indicate that in many parts of the world residual soil P from intensive fertilization in the past will contribute significantly to crop production for a considerable period of time. With the present aims of bringing down Pi fertilization levels, crops will need to mobilize residual soil phosphorus, and this may limit crop yields and efficient land use. For crops such as carrot, onion, several vegetables, potato and maize, the P fertilization standards for the Netherlands in the near future are expected to affect yields (Russchen et al 2012).

Method

Findings

Summary and conclusions