Abstract
BackgroundSeed germination and seedling establishment are two of the most critical phases in plant development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of phosphorus on seed germination and post-germinated growth of oilseed rape are unclear so far. Here, we report the role of BnPHT1;4 in seed germination and early seedling development of Brassica napus.ResultsOur results show that BnPHT1;4 is preferentially expressed in cotyledons of early developing seedlings. Overexpression of BnPHT1;4 in oilseed rape promoted seed germination and seedling growth. Expression levels of the genes related to ABA and GA biosynthesis and signaling were significantly altered in BnPHT1;4 transgenic seedlings. Consequently, active GA level was up-regulated, whereas ABA content was down-regulated in BnPHT1;4 transgenic seedlings. Furthermore, exogenous GA could promote seed germination of wild type, while exogenous ABA could partially recover the advanced-germination phenotype of BnPHT1;4 transgenic seeds. Total phosphorus content in cotyledons of the transgenic seedlings was decreased more rapidly than that in wild type when Pi was supplied or deficient, and Pi contents in shoots and roots of the BnPHT1;4 transgenic plants were higher than those in wild type under high and low Pi conditions.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the high-affinity transporter BnPHT1;4 is involved in phosphorus acquisition and mobilization for facilitating seed germination and seedling growth of Brassica napus by modulating ABA and GA biosynthesis.
Highlights
Seed germination and seedling establishment are two of the most critical phases in plant development
Nutrient provision in seed germination and early seedling development only depends on storage products deposited in cotyledons at the end of seed development
Pi concentration within plant cells is usually above 10 mM (> 3 g/kg), but the concentration of Pi in most of the soil is typically lower than 10 μM [10]. Plants have evolved both high and low-affinity Pi transporters that mediate both P uptake and translocation in plants [11]. These Pi transporters belong to four subfamilies, PHT1 to PHT4, and are plasma membrane proteins that are proton-coupled H2PO4– symporters [12]
Summary
Seed germination and seedling establishment are two of the most critical phases in plant development. Pi concentration within plant cells is usually above 10 mM (> 3 g/kg), but the concentration of Pi in most of the soil is typically lower than 10 μM [10] Plants have evolved both high and low-affinity Pi transporters that mediate both P uptake and translocation in plants [11]. It was suggested that the high-affinity PHT1 family transporters are responsible for acquiring P from rhizospheres [13].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
