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Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for crop production; however, availability tends to be low due to slow diffusion and high fixation in soils. To cope with phosphate deficiency, white lupines (Lupinus albus L.) form unique root structures called cluster roots. The objective of this study was to elucidate detailed spatial differences of the mechanisms under low-P condition in the root system using rhizoboxes. We cultivated plants in rhizoboxes with P-deficient soil for 33 days. We then harvested roots and the adjacent soil from 128 compartments by dividing 2 × 2 cm squares in the rhizoboxes. We investigated relative expression levels of several genes that encode proteins assumed to be involved in P solubilization or translocation. Additionally, we analyzed fractionated P, soluble metal cations (Fe, Al, and Mn), and enzyme activities in the soil of each compartment. We observed a significant positive correlation between one of the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion/detoxification) genes, LaMATE6, and soluble metal cations, suggesting the secretion of citric acid into the rhizosphere via MATE proteins increased soluble metal cation concentrations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that roots in the same developmental stages were likely to have different influences on the mobilization of fractionated P in the rhizosphere soil. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating the relationship between soil chemical properties and root functions at a high spatial resolution to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of P mobilization by plants.

Background and AimsThe abundance or decline of fern populations in response to environmental change has been found to be largely dependent on specific physiological properties that distinguish ferns from angiosperms. Many studies have focused on water use efficiency and stomatal behaviours, but the effects of nutrition acquirement and utilization strategies on niche competition between ferns and flowering plants are rarely reported.MethodsWe collected 34 ferns and 42 angiosperms from the Botanic Garden of Hokkaido University for nitrogen (N), sulphur (S), NO3− and SO42− analysis. We then used a hydroponic system to compare the different N and S utilization strategies between ferns and angiosperms under N deficiency conditions.Key ResultsFerns had a significantly higher NO3−-N concentration and NO3−-N/N ratio than angiosperms, although the total N concentration in ferns was remarkably lower than that in the angiosperms. Meanwhile, a positive correlation between N and S was found, indicating that nutrient concentration is involved in assimilation. Pteris cretica, a fern species subjected to further study, maintained a slow growth rate and lower N requirement in response to low N stress, while both the biomass and N concentration in wheat (Triticum aestivum) responded quickly to N deficiency conditions.ConclusionsThe different nutritional strategies employed by ferns and angiosperms depended mainly on the effects of phylogenetic and evolutionary diversity. Ferns tend to adopt an opportunistic strategy of limiting growth rate to reduce N demand and store more pooled nitrate, whereas angiosperms probably utilize N nutrition to ensure as much development as possible under low N stress. Identifying the effects of mineral nutrition on the evolutionary results of ecological competition between plant species remains a challenge.

In the present study, we conducted experiments using wheat to elucidate whether the increased accumulation of molybdenum in leaves under nitrogen deficiency is due to the plant’s own metabolic response, and further to estimate the role of molybdenum in the nitrogen deficiency response. Even under different growth conditions such as soil culture, hydroponic culture, and aseptic culture, the nitrogen deficiency always increased the molybdenum accumulation in leaves of wheat. Because molybdenum supply to the soil enhanced the growth of wheat under nitrogen deficiency but did not increase plant nitrogen concentration, the increased molybdenum uptake might be involved in the adaptive mechanisms to nitrogen deficiency by increasing nitrogen use efficiency. Wheat under nitrogen deficiency accumulated more molybdenum in lower leaves. Moreover, the nitrogen concentration of wheat grown under nitrogen deficiency increased in the lower leaves and decreased in the upper leaves with the application of molybdenum. These results suggest that molybdenum might affect nitrogen translocation from older to younger leaves.

Ionomic profiles are primarily influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Identifying ionomic responses to varietal effects is necessary to understand the ionomic variations among species or subspecies and to potentially understand genetic effects on ionomic profiles. We cultivated 120 rice (Oryza sativa) varieties to seedling stage in identical hydroponic conditions and determined the concentrations of 26 elements (including 3 anions) in the shoots and roots of rice. Although the subspecies effects were limited by the genus Oryza pre-framework and its elemental chemical properties, we found significant differences in ionomic variations in most elements among the aus, indica and japonica subspecies. Principal component analysis of the correlations indicated that variations in the root-to-shoot ionomic transport mechanisms were the main causes of ionomic differences among the subspecies. Furthermore, the correlations were primarily associated with the screening of varieties for elemental covariation effects that can facilitate breeding biofortified rice varieties with safe concentrations of otherwise toxic elements. The japonica subspecies exhibited the strongest elemental correlations and elemental covariation effects, therefore, they showed greater advantages for biofortification than the indica and aus subspecies, whereas indica and aus subspecies were likely safer in metal(loid) polluted soils. We also found that geographical and historical distribution significantly defined the ionomic profiles. Overall, the results of this study provided a reference for further association studies to improve the nutritional status and minimize toxicity risks in rice production.

Low transfer of radioactive cesium (radiocesium) from soil to grains of agricultural crops is desirable to ensure food safety for humans and animals. Although the transfer of radiocesium from soil ...

Lupinus albus L. (lupin) has a high tolerance for phosphorus deficient conditions as its roots can solubilize the unavailable phosphorus in the rhizosphere soil. The roots may also be able to solubilize other elements, but this requires further investigation. In this study, therefore, we conducted two experiments to comprehensively investigate the effects of lupin roots on the mineral dynamics of the rhizosphere soil. First, a mixed cropping experiment was conducted, in which lupin shared a rhizosphere with soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in a long-term experimental field with four fertilizer treatments: complete fertilization (+NPK), without nitrogen (−N), without phosphorus (−P), and without potassium (−K). The results of shoot dry weight of plants cultivated alone indicated that lupin is highly tolerant to all N, P, and K deficiencies, while soybean can adapt to N deficiency with the help of rhizobia but is less tolerant to P and K deficiencies than lupin. When mixed-cropped with lupin, the concentrations of many elements in the soybean leaf increased, particularly with the −N and −P treatments. Furthermore, soybean growth was significantly improved when cropped with lupin in the −N and −P treatments. Second, a comparison of the elemental profiles of hydroponically and field-soil-grown plants was conducted. Under hydroponic conditions, the rhizosphere effect is negligible when the culture medium is well circulated. The lupin/soybean ratios for leaf mineral concentrations were considerably larger in the field cultivated plants when compared with the hydroponic cultivations for elements such as sodium, potassium, cesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and molybdenum, as there were lower concentrations of these elements in the soybean leaves in the field. These results indicate that lupin roots can solubilize a variety of insoluble elements in the soil, which may be the reason why lupin can adapt to various nutrient deficient soils. In the lupin rhizosphere, the solubilization of cesium, which is generally strongly fixed by soil minerals and not easily leached, was particularly pronounced. This implies that the surface structure of clay minerals might be altered in the lupin rhizosphere, resulting in the fixed forms of various elements becoming available.

To mitigate radioactive cesium from soil to plant, increasing and maintaining the exchangeable potassium (ExK) level during growth is widely accepted after Tokyo Electric Company's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Plant accident in Japan. This is because the antagonistic relationship between soil solution K and

Aims The family Proteaceae is one of the dominant families in nutrient-impoverished habitats in the Southern hemisphere, and less common in the Northern hemisphere. Helicia cochinchinensis Lour. is the only Proteaceae species in Japan. This study aimed to unveil the ecophysiological properties of H. cochinchinensis grown on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan.Methods Phosphorus (P) status and dynamics of soils in H. cochinchinensis habitats were measured. Plant P and nitrogen (N) concentrations of leaves were measured after digestion. Roots and rhizosheath soil were collected to assess root morphology and root exudates.Results Available P (Olsen-P) in soils in habitats of H. cochinchinensis was 0.46–3.7 mg P kg-1 soil. Citrate was the major carboxylate in root exudates and its concentration increased during cluster-root formation. Acid phosphatase activity was greater at the surface of cluster roots that on the surface of other roots and bulk soil, especially for mature cluster roots. Sparingly soluble organic P concentrations decreased in the rhizosheath soil of mature cluster roots. The P concentrations of H. cochinchinensis leaves were relatively low; 0.34–0.69 mg P g-1 DW and 0.15–0.29 mg P g-1 DW in mature and senesced leaves, respectively. The P demand of H. cochinchinensis was less than that of nearby trees, showing greater P-remobilization efficiency.Conclusions Phosphorus mobilization from unavailable P by cluster roots supported P uptake by H. cochinchinensis, and P remobilization from senescing leaves contributed to sustain growth under P-deficient conditions.

Cyperaceae are common on nutrient-poor soils, including in western Japan. We examined the ability of the native Cyperaceae from western Japan to form dauciform roots and assessed the potential resulting contribution to soil phosphorus (P) dynamics. We assessed dauciform roots for 28 native Cyperaceae. Shoots, roots (including dauciform roots), and bulk and rhizosheath soils of Carex lenta were collected in Seto Inland Sea district (western Japan). The number of dauciform roots, shoot P and nitrogen (N) concentration, and soil P status and fractions were analyzed. We confirmed dauciform-root formation in many Cyperaceae including the genus Carex. The number of dauciform roots of C. lenta showed a negative correlation with total and available soil P concentrations and with shoot P concentration. In the rhizosheath of C. lenta with many mature dauciform roots, we found an increase of readily-available inorganic P (Pi) and a decrease of readily-soluble organic P and sparingly soluble Pi fractions, indicating that the dauciform roots contributed to the acquisition of poorly-available soil P. Our results show negative correlations of the number of dauciform roots with both soil and plant P status. Regosols with a low P availability are common in Seto Inland Sea district; thus the formation of dauciform roots and their exudates induced by low P status are important for the distribution of C. lenta in this region.

Crops with improved uptake of fertilizer phosphorus (P) would reduce P losses and confer environmental benefits. We examined how P-sufficient 6-week-old soil-grown Trifolium subterraneum plants, and 2-week-old seedlings in solution culture, accumulated P in roots after inorganic P (Pi) addition. In contrast to our expectation that vacuoles would accumulate excess P, after 7 days, X-ray microanalysis showed that vacuolar [P] remained low (3,000 mmol kg −1 ), potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Similar structures were evident in seedlings, both before and after P addition, with their [P] increasing threefold after P addition. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy showed seedling roots accumulated Pi following P addition, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed large plastids. For seedlings, we demonstrated that roots differentially expressed genes after P addition using RNAseq mapped to the T. subterraneum reference genome assembly and transcriptome profiles. Among the most up-regulated genes after 4 hr was TSub_g9430.t1, which is similar to plastid envelope Pi transporters (PHT4;1, PHT4;4): expression of vacuolar Pi-transporter homologs did not change. We suggest that subcellular P accumulation in globular structures, which may include plastids, aids cytosolic Pi homeostasis under high-P availability.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are important members of the root microbiome and may be used as biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. To elucidate the impact of AM fungal inoculation on indigenous root microbial communities, we used high-throughput sequencing and an analytical pipeline providing fixed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as an output to investigate the bacterial and fungal communities of roots treated with a commercial AM fungal inoculum in six agricultural fields. AM fungal inoculation significantly influenced the root microbial community structure in all fields. Inoculation changed the abundance of indigenous AM fungi and other fungal members in a field-dependent manner. Inoculation consistently enriched several bacterial OTUs by changing the abundance of indigenous bacteria and introducing new bacteria. Some inoculum-associated bacteria closely interacted with the introduced AM fungi, some of which belonged to the genera Burkholderia, Cellulomonas, Microbacterium, Sphingomonas, and Streptomyces and may be candidate mycorrhizospheric bacteria that contribute to the establishment and/or function of the introduced AM fungi. Inoculated AM fungi also co-occurred with several indigenous bacteria with putative beneficial traits, suggesting that inoculated AM fungi may recruit specific taxa to confer better plant performance. The bacterial families Methylobacteriaceae, Acetobacteraceae, Armatimonadaceae, and Alicyclobacillaceae were consistently reduced by the inoculation, possibly due to changes in the host plant status caused by the inoculum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale study to investigate interactions between AM fungal inoculation and indigenous root microbial communities in agricultural fields.

Plants have evolved diverse strategies for the acquisition of the macro-nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen; e.g., mycorrhizal formation, root development, and secretion of chelators/hydrolases to liberate inorganic phosphate. Despite the extensive studies on the individual strategies, there is little information about how plants regulate these strategies in response to fluctuating environment. We approached this issue via profiling transcriptomes of plants grown in large environmental gradients. Roots, leaves, and root-zone soils of 251 maize plants were collected across the US Corn Belt and Japan. RNA was extracted from the roots and sequenced, and the leaves and soils were analyzed. Nineteen genetic modules were defined by weighted gene coexpression network analysis and functionally characterized according to gene ontology analysis, by which we found three modules that are directly involved in nutrient acquisition: mycorrhizal formation, phosphate-starvation response (PSR), and root development. Correlation analysis with soil and plant factors revealed that both phosphorus and nitrogen deficiencies upregulated the mycorrhizal module, whereas the PSR module was upregulated mainly by deficiency in phosphorus relative to nitrogen. Expression levels of the root development module were negatively correlated with those of the mycorrhizal module, suggesting that nutrient acquisition through the two pathways, mycorrhizas and roots, are opposite strategies that are employed under nutrient-deficient and -enriched conditions, respectively. The identification of the soil and plant factors that drive the modules has implications for sustainable agriculture; activation/optimization of the strategies is feasible via manipulating the factors. Overall, our study opens a new window for understanding plant response to complex environments.

Downregulation of AM fungal genes using a plant viral vector is feasible. A partial sequence of a target fungal gene is cloned into the multicloning site of CMV2-A1 vector developed from RNA2 of Cucumber mosaic virus Y strain, and the RNA2, together with RNA1 and RNA3 of the virus, are in vitro-transcribed. Inoculation of Nicotiana benthamiana with these viral RNAs results in reconstitution of the virus in the plant, which triggers silencing of the fungal gene. Here, we describe not only the methods but also several tips for successful application of virus-induced gene silencing to AM fungi.

Downregulation of AM fungal genes using a plant viral vector is feasible. A partial sequence of a target fungal gene is cloned into the multicloning site of CMV2-A1 vector developed from RNA2 of Cucumber mosaic virus Y strain, and the RNA2, together with RNA1 and RNA3 of the virus, are in vitro-transcribed. Inoculation of Nicotiana benthamiana with these viral RNAs results in reconstitution of the virus in the plant, which triggers silencing of the fungal gene. Here, we describe not only the methods but also several tips for successful application of virus-induced gene silencing to AM fungi.

Under phosphorus (P)-deficient conditions, organic acid secretion from roots plays an important role in P mobilization from insoluble P in the soil. In this study, we characterized AtALMT3, a homolog of the Arabidopsis thaliana aluminum-activated malate transporter family gene. Among the 14 AtALMT family genes, only AtALMT3 was significantly up-regulated in P-deficient roots. AtALMT3 promoter::β-glucuronidase is expressed in the epidermis in roots, especially in root hair cells. AtALMT3 protein was localized in the plasma membrane and in small vesicles. Fluorescence of AtALMT3::GFP was not observed on the vacuole membrane of protoplast after lysis, indicating that AtALMT3 localizes mainly in the plasma membrane. Compared with the wild-type (WT) line, malate exudation in the AtALMT3-knockdown line (atalmt3-1) and overexpression line (atalmt3-2) under P deficiency were, respectively, 37% and 126%. In contrast, no significant difference was found in citrate exudation among these lines. The complementation of the atalmt3-1 line with AtALMT3 recovered the malate exudation to the level of the WT. Taken together, these results suggest that AtALMT3 localized in root hair membranes is involved in malate efflux in response to P deficiency.

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient supporting rice productivity. Improving low-P tolerance of rice is expected to reduce dependence on P fertilizer, thereby reducing rice production costs and envir...

Aluminum tolerance of aluminum-sensitive rice was enhanced under darkness by multiple changes in membrane sterols: decreased stigmasterol, increased precursor partitioning for sterols biosynthesis, and increased expression of HMG genes., Aluminum-sensitive rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars showed increased Al tolerance under dark conditions, because less Al accumulated in the root tips (1 cm) under dark than under light conditions. Under dark conditions, the root tip concentration of total sterols, which generally reduce plasma membrane permeabilization, was higher in the most Al-sensitive japonica cultivar, Koshihikari (Ko), than in the most Al-tolerant cultivar, Rikuu-132 (R132), but the phospholipid content did not differ between the two. The Al treatment increased the proportion of stigmasterol (which has no ability to reduce membrane permeabilization) out of total sterols similarly in both cultivars under light conditions, but it decreased more in Ko under dark conditions. The carotenoid content in the root tip of Al-treated Ko was significantly lower under dark than under light conditions, indicating that isopentenyl diphosphate transport from the cytosol to plastids was decreased under dark conditions. HMG2 and HMG3 (encoding the key sterol biosynthetic enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase) transcript levels in the root tips were enhanced under dark conditions. We suggest that the following mechanisms contribute to the increase in Al tolerance under dark conditions: inhibition of stigmasterol formation to retain membrane integrity; greater partitioning of isopentenyl diphosphate for sterol biosynthesis; and enhanced expression of HMGs to increase sterol biosynthesis.

Fruit blossom-end rot (BER) is a serious physiological disorder that can cause significant yield losses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Although many studies have suggested that calcium (Ca) deficiency in tomato fruits is a major factor for BER, its onset mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Ionomics is a high-throughput elemental profiling of living organisms that can be applied to understand how differences in plant's physiological status involving inorganic elements. In this study, we examined ionomic differences between the tomato cultivar M82 and its introgression line IL8–3, which contains a short chromosome segment from its wild relative Solanum pennellii on chromosome 8 of M82, and has a low incidence of fruit BER. Among the essential elements, Ca showed marked different behavior between the two lines. IL8–3 showed preferential Ca partitioning to fruits compared with M82. The slow growth rate and high Ca concentration observed in IL8–3 fruit during the early growth stages may also be responsible for the low BER incidence in this line. Although Ca ions bind to cell wall pectin and membrane phospholipids, and contribute to cell structure stability, these components showed no significant differences between fruits of the two lines. The fruit ionome differed considerably between M82 and IL8–3, and was not affected by available Ca status in the field. The M82 fruit had higher concentrations of many elements such as magnesium, potassium, boron, and sulfur than did IL8–3, and this trend was also observed in rotten fruit. This suggests that the influence of the leaf (source), rather than the fruit (sink), could be involved in the onset mechanism of BER.

Phosphorus (P) acquisition through extensive root growth and P allocation to different plant organs through efficient remobilization are important for acclimation of crop plants to P-limited environments. This study elucidated changes in rice root growth and leaf P-remobilization and their influence on grain yield under P deficiency. Two pot experiments were conducted with (P100) and without (P0) inorganic P supply using two Japanese rice cultivars: Akamai (Yamagata) and Koshihikari. Multiple harvests were made until the panicle initiation stage. Root and shoot growth response, P acquisition, and temporal leaf P-remobilization efficiency were measured. A separate experiment ascertained the final yield and grain P status. The Akamai rice cultivar showed enhanced root growth and more acquired soil P. The Akamai root dry weight was 66% greater than that of Koshihikari under P0. Confronting P deficiency, Akamai remobilized some P from its lower mature leaves to upper younger leaves starting from early growth. The remobilized P fraction increased to 72% at panicle initiation under P0. Under P0, Akamai exhibited two-fold higher leaf P-remobilization efficiency than under P100. Enhanced root growth that facilitates acquisition of more soil P through better soil exploration coupled with efficient leaf P remobilization from the early growth stage improves adaptation of Akamai rice cultivar to P-limited environments. Nevertheless, P-starvation responses did not facilitate higher grain yields in P-limited conditions.

To elucidate the mechanism of adaptation of leguminous plants to iron (Fe)-deficient environment, comprehensive analyses of soybean (Glycine max) plants (sampled at anthesis) were conducted under Fe-sufficient control and Fe-deficient treatment using metabolomic and physiological approach. Our results show that soybeans grown under Fe-deficient conditions showed lower nitrogen (N) fixation efficiency; however, ureides increased in different tissues, indicating potential N-feedback inhibition. N assimilation was inhibited as observed in the repressed amino acids biosynthesis and reduced proteins in roots and nodules. In Fe-deficient leaves, many amino acids increased, accompanied by the reduction of malate, fumarate, succinate, and α-ketoglutarate, which implies the N reprogramming was stimulated by the anaplerotic pathway. Accordingly, many organic acids increased in roots and nodules; however, enzymes involved in the related metabolic pathway (e.g., Krebs cycle) showed opposite activity between roots and nodules, indicative of different mechanisms. Sugars increased or maintained at constant level in different tissues under Fe deficiency, which probably relates to oxidative stress, cell wall damage, and feedback regulation. Increased ascorbate, nicotinate, raffinose, galactinol, and proline in different tissues possibly helped resist the oxidative stress induced by Fe deficiency. Overall, Fe deficiency induced the coordinated metabolic reprogramming in different tissues of symbiotic soybean plants.

Recycling of phosphorus (P) from P-containing metabolites is an adaptive strategy of plants to overcome soil P deficiency. This study was aimed at demonstrating differences in lipid remodelling between low-P-tolerant and -sensitive rice cultivars using lipidome profiling. The rice cultivars Akamai (low-P-tolerant) and Koshihikari (low-P-sensitive) were grown in a culture solution with [2 mg l-1 (+P)] or without (-P) phosphate for 21 and 28 days after transplantation. Upper and lower leaves were collected. Lipids were extracted from the leaves and their composition was analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Phospholipids, namely phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), diacylglycerol (DAG), triacylglycerol (TAG) and glycolipids, namely sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and 1,2-diacyl-3-O-alpha-glucuronosyl glycerol (GlcADG), were detected. GlcADG level was higher in both cultivars grown in -P than in +P and the increase was larger in Akamai than in Koshihikari. DGDG, MGDG and SQDG levels were higher in Akamai grown in -P than in +P and the increase was larger in the upper leaves than in the lower leaves. PC, PE, PG and PI levels were lower in both cultivars grown in -P than in +P and the decrease was larger in the lower leaves than in the upper leaves and in Akamai than in Koshihikari. Akamai catabolised more phospholipids in older leaves and synthesised glycolipids in younger leaves. These results suggested that extensive phospholipid replacement with non-phosphorus glycolipids is a mechanism underlying low-P-tolerance in rice cultivars.

This study of a maize-white lupin model cropping system was conducted to investigate the effects of rhizosphere-sharing of white lupin, a P-efficient plant, on growth and P accumulation of maize under different P rates and forms in two contrasting soils. With Regosol and Andosol, a 42-day pot experiment was conducted for 0P (no P addition), 50Pi, 100Pi (50 and 100 mg P kg−1 soil by NaHPO4⋅2H2O respectively), and 100Po (100 mg P kg−1 soil by phytate). Plant growth, P uptake, rhizosphere pH, and different P fractions were investigated. Complementary effects of intercropping for maize were observed in Regosol, but not in Andosol. Total P uptake by intercropped maize in 0P, 50Pi, and 100Po was elevated by 46, 37, and 65 %, respectively, compared to when it was grown as a monoculture. White lupin mobilized P from sparingly soluble forms. Thereby, maize plant enhanced its P accumulation as a result of access to these two fractions in mixed culture in Regosol, where strong root intermingling occurred among intercropped plants. Results suggest that the P mobilization strategy of white lupin from sparingly soluble P pools in soil can enhance the P acquisition efficiency of coexisting maize with P facilitation in this intercropping occurring in the direction of white lupin to maize. Achieving enhanced growth and P uptake by P-inefficient species in intercropping with white lupin is dependent on the type of soil in which those plants are grown.

Phosphorus (P) is easily fixed in soils, forming unavailable forms, such as insoluble P and organic P. Plants frequently face P deficiency because of its low mobility in soil. Many strategies to adapt to P-deficient conditions have been developed in plants, but they can be categorized as two major strategies: (1) efficient use of sparingly available P by increase root exudation, including organic acids and phosphatases, by increase expression of phosphate transporter, and by modification of root architecture; and (2) improvement of internal P use efficiency by alteration of carbon metabolisms and by lipid remodeling. The strategies are regulated by a complex signaling network. This chapter presents an overview of the strategies and past trials to improve P use efficiency by transformation of certain genes involved in low-P stress response including future perspectives.

A violet divalent europium-doped strontium aluminate (Sr–Al–O:Eu2+) phosphor particle was synthesized from a metal-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution of Sr, Al, Eu, and particulate alumina via spray drying and sintering in a reducing atmosphere. The emission properties, crystal structures, cross-sectional emissions, and elemental distributions of the obtained Sr–Al–O:Eu2+ phosphor particles were investigated. The product was determined to be secondary SrAl12O19:Eu2+ particles with an average diameter of 20 μm. The violet SrAl12O19:Eu2+ emission phase was found in a 1-μm-thick coating of the particles where elemental Al diffusion occurred. These particles are anticipated to find commercial applications such as paints.

Secretion of acid phosphatase (APase) from the roots to take up phosphorus (P) is a well-known strategy of plants under P-deficient conditions. White lupin, which shows vigorous growth in low-P soils, is noted for its ability to secrete APase under P-deficient conditions. The APase secreted by white lupin roots is stable in soil solution and shows low substrate specificity, suggesting that genetic modification of plants using the APase gene LASAP2 might improve their ability to use organic P. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of LASAP2 transgenic plants to increase organic P utilization. Dry matter production and P accumulation were higher in LASAP2 transgenic tobacco plants grown in gel media containing soluble phytate as the sole P source than in wild-type tobacco plants. Phosphorus uptake by the transgenic plants also increased in soil culture conditions. LASAP2 was apparently more effective in the liberation of organic P, including phytate, in the soil than the native tobacco APase. Thus, the enzymatic stability of LASAP2 in the soil appears to be an important factor for P acquisition.

Acid phosphatase (APase) produced by the cluster roots of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) plays an important role in inorganic phosphate (Pi) acquisition. Although the importance of cluster roots in Pi acquisition is well known, information on the distribution of APase within tissues of normal and cluster roots is lacking. Isoelectric focusing of APase isoforms as well as histochemical localization and visualization of APase were used to clarify the importance of secretory APase for P nutrition of white lupin grown under P deficiency. Isoelectric focusing revealed that both the secretory type and other major APase isoforms probably involved in P translocation were inducible. The major activity in the rhizosphere soil of cluster roots and roots grown under hydroponic conditions corresponded to LASAP2, a previously purified APase secreted from white lupin roots. Histochemical localization using enzyme-labeled fluorescence (ELF)-97 phosphate as a substrate was applied to rhizosphere samples. This substrate provides fluorescent precipitates after hydrolysis by phosphatase. Strong APase activity in the epidermal tissues of normal roots and cluster rootlets and in root hairs of cluster rootlets under P deficiency was detected. These results support the hypothesis that APase activities in the rhizosphere liberate Pi and supply it to white lupin plants grown under P-deficient conditions.

Phosphorus cycling in soils is partly affected by biological processes. Many different organisms are involved, and microbial functions in particular make a substantial contribution. Recently, various molecular tools independent of microbial cultivation have been developed, offering new possibilities for the analysis of the function and ecology of microbes involved in phosphorus cycling. Plants are also directly or indirectly involved in biological phosphorus cycling. Molecular approaches are powerful for understanding plant functions and the plant–microbe interactions involved in phosphorus cycling. In this chapter, the application of molecular tools to the study of the role of plants and rhizosphere microorganisms in phosphorus cycling is discussed.