Researchers have demonstrated that reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants significantly improves nitrogen uptake and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in rice and Arabidopsis.

Key Findings of the Study

• This study highlights a promising approach for sustainable agricultural practices by encouraging ways to reduce NO levels in plants.
• Significance of Nitric Oxide (NO)
  • Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in plants.
  • Lowering NO levels activates high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs), which are especially effective under limited nitrogen conditions.
• High-Affinity Nitrate Transporters (HATs):High-affinity nitrate transporters are essential for nitrogen uptake, particularly in low nitrogen conditions.

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Methods Used to Improve NUEPharmacological Manipulation: Researchers used chemical compounds known as nitric oxide (NO) scavengers to reduce NO concentration in plants.

• Overexpressing Phytoglobin: Phytoglobin, a natural nitric oxide scavenger, was overexpressed in plants.
• This increased the expression of high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs) like NRT2.1 and NRT2.4, enhancing nitrogen uptake under low NO conditions.
• Genetic Manipulation: Genetic manipulation involves altering plant genes to regulate nitric oxide levels in cells.
• Protein Nitrosylation: Protein nitrosylation, a biochemical modification by nitric oxide, plays a significant role in nitrogen regulation.
  • Targeting protein nitrosylation has shown potential in improving NUE.

Importance of Improving NUE

• Enhancing NUE helps reduce the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers.
• It mitigates environmental pollution, including nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improved NUE contributes to increasing crop yields sustainably.