In natural environments, the growth and development of trees are continuously affected by phosphorus (P) starvation stress. However, the mechanisms through which trees balance stem growth and P distribution remain unknown. This study found that in the woody model species poplar, the P loss in stems is more severe than that in roots and leaves under P starvation conditions, thereby inhibiting stem development and reducing the expression of numerous genes related to wood formation, including PagSND1-B1. Intriguingly, overexpression of PagSND1-B1 in poplar enhances resistance to P starvation and promotes xylem development. Further analysis demonstrated that PagSND1-B1 can directly and positively regulate the phosphorus transporter PagPHT1;5a. Analysis of P content changes in leaves, stems and roots of transgenic poplar before and after treatment indicated that overexpression of PagSND1-B1 disrupts the normal P redistribution procedure, leading to increased P accumulation in stems, which is beneficial for xylem development. Therefore, PagSND1-B1 participates in the phosphorus absorption and homoeostasis of poplar by modulating PagPHT1;5a. This study provides valuable insights into the regulatory function of PagSND1-B1 in wood formation and the process by which trees balance phosphorus distribution and xylem development.
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