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International audience; Background and Aims: Although AVG (aminoethoxyvinylglycine) is intensely used to decipher signaling in ethylene/indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) interactions on root morphogenesis, AVG is not a specific inhibitor of aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and tryptophan aminotransferase (TAA) and tryptophan aminotransferase related (TAR) activities since it is able to inhibit several aminotransferases involved in N metabolism. Indeed, 1 mM glutamate (Glu) supply to the roots in plants treated with 10 mu M AVG partially restores the root growth. Here, we highlight the changes induced by AVG and AVG + Glu treatments on the N metabolism impairment and root morphogenetic program. Methods: Root nitrate uptake induced by AVG and AVG + Glu treatments was measured by a differential labeling with (NO3)-N-15 (-) and (15)Nglutamate. In parallel a profiling of amino acids (AA) was performed to decipher the impairment of AA metabolism. Key Results: 10 mu M AVG treatment increases (KNO3)-N-15 uptake and N-15 translocation during root growth inhibition whereas 10 mu M AVG + 1 mM (15)Nglutamate treatment inhibits (KNO3)-N-15 uptake and increases (15)Nglutamate uptake during partial root growth restoration. This is explained by a nitrogen (N) limitation condition induced by AVG treatment and a N excess condition induced by AVG + Glu treatment. AA levels were mainly impaired by AVG treatment in roots, where levels of Ser, Thr, alpha-Ala, beta-Ala, Val, Asn and His were significantly increased. His was the only amino acid for which no restoration was observed in roots and shoots after glutamate treatment suggesting important control of His homeostasis on aminotransferase network. Results were discussed in light of recent findings on the interconnection between His homeostasis and the general amino acid control system (GAAC) in eukaryotes. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that AVG concentration above 5 mu M is a powerful pharmacological tool for unraveling the involvement of GAAC system or new N sensory system in morphological and metabolic changes of the roots in leguminous and non-leguminous plants.

Proper carbon (C) supply is essential for nitrogen (N) assimilation especially when plants are grown under ammonium (NH4+) nutrition. However, how C and N metabolic fluxes adapt to achieve so remains uncertain. In this work, roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants grown under exclusive NH4+ or nitrate (NO3−) supply were incubated with isotope-labelled substrates (15NH4+, 15NO3−, or [13C]Pyruvate) to follow the incorporation of 15N or 13C into amino acids and organic acids. Roots of plants adapted to ammonium nutrition presented higher capacity to incorporate both 15NH4+ and 15NO3− into amino acids, thanks to the previous induction of the NH4+ assimilative machinery. The 15N label was firstly incorporated into [15N]Gln vía glutamine synthetase; ultimately leading to [15N]Asn accumulation as an optimal NH4+ storage. The provision of [13C]Pyruvate led to [13C]Citrate and [13C]Malate accumulation and to rapid [13C]2-OG consumption for amino acid synthesis and highlighted the importance of the anaplerotic routes associated to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Taken together, our results indicate that root adaptation to ammonium nutrition allowed efficient assimilation of N thanks to the promotion of TCA cycle open flux modes in order to sustain C skeleton availability for effective NH4+ detoxification into amino acids.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a legume that produces seeds recognized for their high protein content and good nutritional value (lowest glycemic index of all grains, high dietary fiber content, and zero gluten or starch)1–5. White lupin can form nitrogen-fixing nodules but has lost the ability to form mycorrhizal symbiosis with fungi6. Nevertheless, its root system is well adapted to poor soils: it produces cluster roots, constituted of dozens of determinate lateral roots that improve soil exploration and phosphate remobilization7. As phosphate is a limited resource that comes from rock reserves8, the production of cluster roots is a trait of interest to improve fertilizers efficiency. Using long reads sequencing technologies, we provide a high-quality genome sequence of a modern variety of white lupin (2n=50, 451 Mb), as well as de novo assemblies of a landrace and a wild relative. We describe how domestication impacted soil exploration capacity through the early establishment of lateral and cluster roots. We identify the APETALA2 transcription factor LaPUCHI-1, homolog of the Arabidopsis morphogenesis coordinator9, as a potential regulator of this trait. Our high-quality genome and companion genomic and transcriptomic resources enable the development of modern breeding strategies to increase and stabilize yield and to develop new varieties with reduced allergenic properties (caused by conglutins10), which would favor the deployment of this promising culture.

Trees can be associated with dozens of fungi helping them to acquire resources from forest soils. The most widespread mutualistic association in boreal and temperate forests is the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. This symbiosis involves mushroom-forming fungi of basidiomycota, ascomycota, and some zygomycota clades and the roots of woody plant species, including oaks, poplars or pines. Although the impact of this association on ecosystem production and tree nutrition is investigated for about a century, our understanding on the molecular mechanisms that control water and nutrient fluxes between plant and fungal partners is still limited. Here, we review the recent knowledge on the ectomycorrhizal contribution to tree nutrition. We specifically highlight the molecular mechanisms driving the acquisition, translocation and release of water and nutrients in ectomycorrhizal systems. We particularly focus on the transport of macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and calcium, micronutrients, and water by the symbiotic partner. We also provide background on the evolution, diversity, and importance of this symbiosis, identify knowledge gaps, and propose future research directions.

International audience; Rapid adjustment of plant physiology and development to external fluctuations is critical for sessile organism, giving a singular interest to network signaling controlling these mechanisms. Among many adaptation processes, root plasticity is primordial to optimize nutrient acquisition but relies on a complex network integrating local and systemic (root shoot) signaling. Indeed, locally, plants invest resource in soil area where nutrients are available and systemically they adjust nutrient acquisition to the whole plant demand.Our main goal is to decipher systemic signaling underlying the perception of nitrate heterogeneous provision, in Arabidopsis. Using the split-root system, in which physically isolated root systems of the same plant were challenged with different environments, we previously demonstrated that cytokinin biosynthesis constitutes one critical component of root-shoot-root communication. By combining the use of cytokinin mutants with hormone measurements, transcriptomic analysis, nitrate uptake assays, and root growth measurements, we show that root to shoot trans-zeatin (tZ) translocation is likely crucial for long distance signaling controlling rapid sentinel gene regulation and long-term functional acclimation to heterogeneous nitrate supply. Interestingly, shoot transcriptome profiling revealed that glutamate/glutamine metabolism is likely a target of tZ root-to-shoot translocation, prompting an interesting hypothesis regarding shoot-to-root communication. Finally, this study also highlights tZ-independent pathways triggered by variation into nitrogen supply.

Plants need to cope with strong variations in the nitrogen content of the soil solution. Although many molecular actors are being discovered concerning how plants perceive NO3- provision, it is less clear how plants recognize a lack of Nitrogen. Indeed, following N removal plants activate their Nitrogen Starvation Response (NSR) being characterized in particular by the activation of very high affinity nitrate transport systems (NRT2.4, NRT2.5) and other sentinel genes such as GDH3. Here we show using a combination of functional genomics (via TF perturbation) and molecular physiology studies, that the GARP Transcription Factors (TFs) belonging the HHO sub-family are important regulators of the NSR through two potential mechanisms. First, HHOs directly repress NRT2.4 and NRT2.5 high-affinity nitrate transporters. Genotypes affected in HHO genes (mutants and overexpressors) display modified high-affinity nitrate transport activities opening interesting perspectives in biotechnology applications. Second, we show that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are important to control NSR in wild type plants and that HRS1 and HHO1 overexpressors are affected in their ROS content, defining a potential feedforward branch of the signaling pathway. Taken together our results define two new classes of molecular actors in the control of NSR including ROS and the first transcription factors to date. This work (i) opens perspectives on a poorly understood nutrient related signaling pathway, and (ii) defines targets for molecular breeding of plants with enhanced NO3- uptake.

Plants are subjected to variable nitrogen (N) availability including frequent spatial nitrate (NO3-) heterogeneity in soil. Thus, plants constantly adapt their genome expression and root physiology in order to optimize N acquisition from this heterogeneous source. These adaptations rely on a complex and long-distance root-shoot-root signaling network that is still largely unknown. Here, we used a combination of reverse genetics, transcriptomic analysis, NO3- uptake experiments and hormone profiling under conditions of homogeneous or heterogeneous NO3- availability to characterize the systemic signaling involved. We demonstrate the important role of the trans-zeatin form of cytokinin (CK) in shoots, in particular using a mutant altered for ABCG14-mediated trans-zeatin-translocation from the root to the shoot, in mediating: (i) rapid long distance N-demand signaling and (ii) long term functional adaptations to heterogeneous NO3- supply, including changes in NO3- transport capacity and root growth modifications. We also provide insights into the potential CK-dependent and independent shoot-to-root signals involved in root adaptation to heterogeneous N availability.

Plants face temporal and spatial variation in nitrogen (N) availability. This includes heterogeneity in soil nitrate (NO3-) content. To overcome these constraints, plants modify their gene expression and physiological processes to optimize N acquisition. This plasticity relies on a complex long-distance root-shoot-root signaling network that remains poorly understood. We previously showed that cytokinin (CK) biosynthesis is required to trigger systemic N signaling. Here, we performed split-root experiments and used a combination of CK-related mutant analyses, hormone profiling, transcriptomic analysis, NO3- uptake assays, and root growth measurements to gain insight into systemic N signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. By comparing wild-type plants and mutants affected in CK biosynthesis and ABCG14-dependent root-to-shoot translocation of CK, we revealed an important role for active trans-Zeatin (tZ) in systemic N signaling. Both rapid sentinel gene regulation and long-term functional acclimation to heterogeneous NO3- supply, including NO3- transport and root growth regulation, are likely mediated by the integration of tZ content in shoots. Furthermore, shoot transcriptome profiling revealed that glutamate/glutamine metabolism is likely a target of tZ root-to-shoot translocation, prompting an interesting hypothesis regarding shoot-to-root communication. Finally, this study highlights tZ-independent pathways regulating gene expression in shoots as well as NO3- uptake activity in response to total N-deprivation.

International audience; Background and Aims: Understanding interactions between water and nitrate fluxes in response to nitrate availability and transpiration rate is crucial to select more efficient plants for the use of water and nitrate. Methods: Some of these interactions were investigated in intact Brassica napus plants by combining a non-destructive gravimetric device with (NO3-)-N-15 labeling. The set-up allowed high-resolution measurement of the effects of a cross-combination of two concentrations of KNO3 or KCl (0.5 and 5 mM) with two different rates of transpiration controlled by the relative humidity during a day-night cycle. Key Results: Results show that (1) high external nitrate concentrations increased root water uptake significantly whatever the transpiration rate, (2) nitrate translocation depended both on the rate of nitrate uptake and loading into xylem (3) dilution-concentration effect of nitrate in the xylem was mainly modulated by both external nitrate availability and transpiration rate, (4) dynamic changes in N-15 translocation in the xylem modified shoot growth and capacitance, and (5) variations in tissue concentrations of NO3- induced by the experimental conditions were balanced by changes in concentrations of chloride and sulfate ions. These effects were even more amplified under low transpiration condition and 0.5 mM external nitrate concentration. Conclusion: Taken together, these results highlight the fine and rapid adjustment of anion contents, nitrate and water flows to changes in transpiration rate and nitrate availability during a day-night cycle. The use of this non-invasive gravimetric device is therefore a powerful tool to assess candidates genes involved in nitrogen and water use efficiency.

Plants are subjected to variable nitrogen (N) availability including frequent spatial nitrate (NO3-) heterogeneity in soil. Thus, plants constantly adapt their genome expression and root physiology in order to optimize N acquisition from this heterogeneous source. These adaptations rely on a complex and long distance root-shoot-root signaling network that is still largely unknown. Here, we used a combination of reverse genetics, transcriptomic analysis, NO3- uptake experiments and hormone profiling under conditions of homogeneous or heterogeneous NO3- availability to characterize the systemic signaling involved. We demonstrate the important role of the trans-zeatin form of cytokinin (CK) in shoots, in particular using a mutant altered for ABCG14-mediated trans-zeatin-translocation from the root to the shoot, in mediating: (i) rapid long distance N-demand signaling and (ii) long term functional adaptations to heterogeneous NO3- supply, including changes in NO3- transport capacity and root growthmodifications. We also provide insights into the potential CK-dependent and independent shoot-to-root signals involved in root adaptation to heterogeneous N availability.

Plants need to cope with strong variations in the nitrogen content of the soil solution. Although many molecular actors are being discovered concerning how plants perceive NO3- provision, it is less clear how plants recognize a lack of Nitrogen. Indeed, following N removal plants activate their Nitrogen Starvation Response (NSR) being characterized in particular by the activation of very high affinity nitrate transport systems (NRT2.4, NRT2.5) and other sentinel genes such as GDH3. Here we show using a combination of functional genomics (via TF perturbation) and molecular physiology studies, that the GARP Transcription Factors (TFs) belonging the HHO sub-family are important regulators of the NSR through two potential mechanisms. First, HHOs directly repress NRT2.4 and NRT2.5 high-affinity nitrate transporters. Genotypes affected in HHO genes (mutants and overexpressors) display modified high-affinity nitrate transport activities opening interesting perspectives in biotechnology applications. Second, we show that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are important to control NSR in wild type plants and that HRS1 and HHO1 overexpressors are affected in their ROS content, defining a potential feedforward branch of the signaling pathway. Taken together our results define two new classes of molecular actors in the control of NSR including ROS and the first transcription factors to date. This work (i) opens perspectives on a poorly understood nutrient related signaling pathway, and (ii) defines targets for molecular breeding of plants with enhanced NO3- uptake.

Five mid-lactation multicatheterized Jersey cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate whether the increase in milk N yield associated with diets rich in starch versus fiber could originate from changes in the splanchnic AA metabolism and if these changes depended upon the dietary crude protein (CP) content. Four isoenergetic diets were formulated to provide 2 different carbohydrate compositions [diets rich in starch (350 g of starch and 310 g of neutral detergent fiber/kg of dry matter) versus rich in fiber (45 g of starch and 460 g of neutral detergent fiber/kg of dry matter)] crossed by 2 different CP contents (12.0 vs. 16.5% CP). At the end of each treatment period, 6 hourly blood samples were collected from the portal and hepatic veins as well as the mesenteric artery to determine net nutrient fluxes across the portal drained viscera (PDV), liver, and total splanchnic tissues. Dry matter and calculated energy intake as well as total absorbed energy were similar across treatments. However, the net portal appearance (NPA) of acetate, total volatile fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate were higher with diets rich in fiber versus starch, whereas that of oxygen, glucose, butyrate, and insulin were lower. Concomitant to these changes, the percentage of N intake recovered as total AA (TAA) in the portal vein was lower for diets rich in fiber versus starch (42.3 vs. 51.4%, respectively), without, however, any difference observed in the NPA of the main AA used as energy fuels by the PDV (Glu, Gln, and Asp). Despite a higher NPA of TAA with starch versus fiber diets, no differences in the net hepatic flux of TAA, essential and nonessential AA were observed, resulting in a higher (+22%) net splanchnic release of AA and, hence, a greater (+7%) milk N yield. The net hepatic flux and hepatic fractional removal of none of the individual AA was affected as the main carbohydrate changed from fiber to starch, except for Gly and Lys, which were higher for the latter. After correcting for differences in NPA of TAA, the net hepatic uptake of TAA tended to be lower with starch versus fiber diets. The higher transfer of N from feed to milk with diets rich in starch is not the consequence of a direct sparing AA effect of glucogenic diets but rather the result of lower energy requirements by the PDV along with a higher microbial N flow to the duodenum. A better AA use by peripheral tissues with starch versus fiber diets was also hypothesized but more studies are warranted to clarify this issue.

Most plants use nitrate (NO3-) as their major nitrogen (N) source. The NO3- uptake capacity of a plant is determined by three interdependent factors that are sensitive to NO3- availability: (i) the functional properties of the transporters in the roots that contribute to the acquisition of NO3- from the external medium, (ii) the density of functional transporters at the plasma membrane of root cells, and (iii) the surface and architecture of the root system. The identification of factors that regulate the NO3--sensing systems is important for both fundamental and applied science, because these factors control the capacity of plants to use the available NO3-, a process known as the “nitrate use efficiency”. The molecular component of the transporters involved in uptake and sensing mechanism in Arabidopsis roots are presented and their relative contribution discussed.

© 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust Orchids are highly dependent on their mycorrhizal fungal partners for nutrient supply, especially during early developmental stages. In addition to organic carbon, nitrogen (N) is probably a major nutrient transferred to the plant because orchid tissues are highly N-enriched. We know almost nothing about the N form preferentially transferred to the plant or about the key molecular determinants required for N uptake and transfer. We identified, in the genome of the orchid mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella calospora, two functional ammonium transporters and several amino acid transporters but found no evidence of a nitrate assimilation system, in agreement with the N preference of the free-living mycelium grown on different N sources. Differential expression in symbiosis of a repertoire of fungal and plant genes involved in the transport and metabolism of N compounds suggested that organic N may be the main form transferred to the orchid host and that ammonium is taken up by the intracellular fungus from the apoplatic symbiotic interface. This is the first study addressing the genetic determinants of N uptake and transport in orchid mycorrhizas, and provides a model for nutrient exchanges at the symbiotic interface, which may guide future experiments.

Nitrogen fertilizer is the most used nutrient source in modern agriculture and represents significant environmental and production costs. In the meantime, the demand for grain increases and production per area has to increase as new cultivated areas are scarce. In this context, breeding for an efficient use of nitrogen became a major objective. In wheat, nitrogen is required to maintain a photosynthetically active canopy ensuring grain yield and to produce grain storage proteins that are generally needed to maintain a high end-use quality. This review presents current knowledge of physiological, metabolic and genetic factors influencing nitrogen uptake and utilization in the context of different nitrogen management systems. This includes the role of root system and its interactions with microorganisms, nitrate assimilation and its relationship with photosynthesis as postanthesis remobilization and nitrogen partitioning. Regarding nitrogen-use efficiency complexity, several physiological avenues for increasing it were discussed and their phenotyping methods were reviewed. Phenotypic and molecular breeding strategies were also reviewed and discussed regarding nitrogen regimes and genetic diversity.

International audience; The strong negative correlation between grain protein concentration (GPC) and grain yield (GY) in bread wheat complicates the simultaneous improvement of these traits. However, earlier studies have concluded that the deviation from this relationship (grain protein deviation or GPD) has strong genetic basis. Genotypes with positive GPD have an increased ability to uptake nitrogen (N) during the post-flowering period independently of the amount of N taken up before flowering, suggesting that genetic variability for N satiety could enable the breakage of the negative relationship. This study is based on two genotypes markedly contrasted for GPD grown under semi-hydroponic conditions differentiated for nitrate availability both before and after flowering. This allows exploration of the genetic determinants of post-flowering N uptake (PANU) by combining whole plant sampling and targeted gene expression approaches. The results highlights the correlation (r(2) = 0.81) with GPC of PANU occurring early during grain development (flowering-flowering + 250 degree-days) independently of GY. Early PANU was in turn correlated (r(2) = 0.80) to the stem-biomass increment after flowering through its effect on N sink activity. Differences in early PANU between genotypes, despite comparable N statuses at flowering, suggest that genetic differences in N satiety could be involved in the establishment of the GPC. Through its strong negative correlation with genes implied in N assimilation, root nitrate concentration appears to be a good marker for evaluating instantaneous plant N demand, and may provide valuable information on the genotypic N satiety level. This trait may help breeders to identify genotypes having high GPC independently of their GY.

International audience; No abstract available

In the past decade, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has emerged as a major evolutionary process that has shaped the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeasts. We recently showed that a large Torulaspora microellipsoides genomic island carrying two oligopeptide transporters encoded by FOT genes increases the fitness of wine yeast during fermentation of grape must. However, the impact of these genes on the metabolic network of S. cerevisiae remained uncharacterized. Here we show that Fot-mediated peptide uptake substantially affects the glutamate node and the NADPH/NADP(+) balance, resulting in the delayed uptake of free amino acids and altered profiles of metabolites and volatile compounds. Transcriptome analysis revealed that cells using a higher amount of oligopeptides from grape must are less stressed and display substantial variation in the expression of genes in the central pathways of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, amino acid and protein biosynthesis, and the oxidative stress response. These regulations shed light on the molecular and metabolic mechanisms involved in the higher performance and fitness conferred by the HGT-acquired FOT genes, pinpointing metabolic effects that can positively affect the organoleptic balance of wines.

The present work investigates the interactions between soil content, rootstock and scion by focusing on the effects of roostocks and nitrogen supply on grape berry content. Scions of Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) and Pinot Noir (PN) varieties were grafted either on Riparia Gloire de Montpellier (RGM) or 110 Richter (110R) rootstock. The 4 rooststock/scion combinations were fertilized with 3 different levels of nitrogen after fruit set. Both in 2013 and 2014, N supply increased N uptake by the plants, and N content both in vegetative and reproductory organs. Rootstock, variety and year affected berry weight at harvest, while nitrogen did not affect significantly this parameter. Grafting on RGM consistently increased berry weight compared to 110R. PN consistently produced bigger berries than CS. CS berries were heavier in 2014 than in 2013, but the year effect was less marked for PN berries. The berries were collected between veraison and maturity, separated in skin and pulp, and their content was analyzed by conventional analytical procedures and untargeted metabolomics. For anthocyanins, the relative quantitation was fairly comparable with both LC-MS determination and HPLC-DAD, which is a fully quantitative technique. The data show complex responses of the metabolite content (sugars, organic acids, amino acids, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols/procyanidins, stilbenes, hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids.) that depend on the rootstock, the scion, the vintage, the nitrogen level, the berry compartment. This opens a wide range of possibilities to adjust the content of these compounds through the choice of the roostock, variety and nitrogen fertilization.

Les souches œnologiques présentent une importante diversité dans leur besoin en azote, qui se traduit par des différences de capacité fermentaire. Jusqu’ici, les mécanismes impliqués dans la variabilité des profils fermentaires, suite à un épuisement en azote dans le milieu, n’étaient pas connus. L’identification de ces mécanismes serait un atout dans la compréhension des phénomènes conduisant aux fermentations problématiques. De même, la connaissance des bases génétiques du besoin en azote permettrait de faciliter la sélection ou la construction de souches performantes dans ces conditions. Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude visant à identifier ces mécanismes, par une approche de physiologie et génomique classique, couplé à une approche de génétique quantitative. L’ensemble de nos résultats nous ont permis de mettre en évidence le rôle clé du réseau de signalisation azote et plus particulièrement la voie TOR dans la variation de capacité fermentaire entre souches en milieu carencé. Enfin, nous avons pu identifier 4 gènes clés, dont les variations alléliques sont impliquées dans les différences de performance des souches. L’utilisation de ces gènes pourrait permettre la conception de marqueurs génétiques, exploités pour la sélection de souches ayant de bonnes capacités fermentaires.

La concentration en protéines des grains est un critère qualitatif majeur qui conditionne la valeur économique et technologique du blé tendre (Triticum aestivum L.). Cependant, la forte relation négative existant entre concentration en protéines et rendement en grains implique que l’amélioration de la concentration en protéines par une approche génétique soit complexe à atteindre sans impacter négativement le rendement. Pour contourner cette difficulté, il a été proposé qu’une sélection variétale basée sur l’écart à cette relation négative (nommé Grain Protein Deviation ; GPD) permette d’améliorer la concentration en protéines indépendamment du rendement. Au niveau physiologique, le GPD est fortement corrélé à la capacité des génotypes à absorber de l’azote après floraison indépendamment de la quantité d’azote déjà absorbée à floraison, suggérant que la satiété en azote soit à la base de son établissement. Envisager une sélection sur la base du GPD nécessite cependant d’acquérir des connaissances approfondies des mécanismes impliqués dans la régulation de l’absorption d’azote par la satiété en azote, qui permettraient de cibler précisément des traits simples à quantifier et robustement associés à cette capacité accrue d’accumulation de protéines dans les grains. Cette étude se base sur deux expérimentations conduites en conditions contrôlées et une expérimentation au champ. Dans chacune de ces expérimentations, différents niveaux de fertilisation ont été appliqués en pré-floraison afin d’obtenir des statuts azotés contrastés à floraison. L’effet du statut azoté à floraison sur l’absorption post-floraison a ensuite été observé dans différentes conditions de disponibilités d’azote après floraison. Des mesures physiologiques et moléculaires ont été réalisées en parallèle des mesures d’absorption d’azote. Nous avons mis en évidence que l’absorption d’azote post-floraison présente une dynamique élaborée qui suppose qu’elle est soumise à des régulations complexes. Parmi celles-ci, le statut azoté des plantes à floraison conditionne en grande part la quantité d’azote absorbée dans les jours qui suivent la floraison (PANUprécoce , de floraison à floraison + 250 degrés-jour). La quantité de PANUprécoce se présente comme un déterminant fort de la concentration en protéines des grains du fait de la forte corrélation positive observée entre ces deux traits en conditions contrôlées et au champ, et ce indépendamment du niveau de rendement. L’étude de deux génotypes robustement contrastés pour le GPD a montré qu’à statuts azotés équivalents, la quantité de PANUprécoce est sujette à des effets génétiques qui tendent à confirmer l’impact de la variabilité génétique de satiété en azote sur l’établissement du GPD. Ces travaux ont permis de proposer des marqueurs du GPD potentiellement valorisables en sélection. Au niveau physiologique, la croissance des tiges après floraison se présente comme un marqueur prometteur du GPD car ce trait est fortement corrélé à la PANUprécoce. Au niveau moléculaire, la concentration en nitrates des racines, également soumise à des effets génétiques, est proposée comme marqueur potentiel du fait de son rôle probable dans la régulation expressionnelle des gènes impliqués dans l’absorption et l’assimilation d’azote., Grain protein concentration is one of the major qualitative criteria of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) economic and technological value. However, the negative relationship existing between protein concentration and grain yield implies that grain protein concentration improvement is complex to achieve without detrimental effect on grain yield. Breeding programs based on the deviation to this negative relationship (Grain protein deviation of GPD) have been proposed to be a suitable strategy to improve grain nitrogen concentration without detrimental effects on yield. At a physiological level, GPD is strongly correlated with genotypes aptitude to uptake nitrogen after flowering independently of the nitrogen amount already taken up before this stage, suggesting that satiety for nitrogen could be involved in its establishment. Breeding for GPD implies however a more detailed knowledge of the processes implied in nitrogen uptake regulation by nitrogen plant satiety. This would allow targeting traits both simple to measure and robustly associated with this increased capacity to accumulate proteins in grains. The present study is based on two experiments carried on under controlled conditions and a third led under field conditions. In all experiments, various levels of pre-flowering fertilization were applied in order to obtain contrasted plant nitrogen status at flowering. Nitrogen status effect on post-flowering nitrogen uptake was observed under various postflowering N availability conditions. Physiological and molecular measurements were carried out in parallel with uptake measurements. We highlighted that post-flowering nitrogen uptake has an elaborate dynamic, suggesting the involvement of complex regulations. Among these, plant nitrogen status at flowering determines to a great extent the amount of nitrogen taken up during the days following flowering (early PANU, from flowering to flowering +250 °C.days-1). Early PANU appears to be a strong determinant of grain protein concentration, as strong positive correlations were observed between these two traits both under controlled conditions and field conditions, independently of grain yield level. The study of two genotypes strongly contrasted for GPD highlighted that, despite comparable N status, early PANU is subjected to strong genetic variations which tend to identify N satiety as a determinant of GPD. The present study identified robust markers of GPD of potential use in plant breeding. At a physiological level, post flowering stem elongation appears to be a promising marker of GPD since this trait is strongly correlated with early PANU. At a molecular level, root nitrate concentration, a trait submitted to genetic variations, is also proposed as a marker of GPD because of its role in the expression regulation of the genes governing nitrogen uptake and assimilation

In wheat, remobilization of nitrogen absorbed before anthesis and regulation of monocarpic senescence is a major issue in breeding for nutrient use efficiency. We identified natural variants of NAM-A1, a gene having the same role as its well-characterized homoeolog NAM-B1, a NAC transcription factor associated with senescence kinetics and nutrient remobilization to the grain. Differences in haplotype frequencies between a worldwide core collection and a panel of European elite varieties were assessed and discussed. Moreover, hypotheses for the loss of function of the most common haplotype in elite European germplasm are discussed.

Background and Aims[br/] Both rootstocks and mineral nutrition, particularly nitrogen (N), are known to affect many aspects of plant development including the control of scion vigour. In this study, we investigated the role of the rootstock genotype in grafted grapevine responses to N supply in terms of the root and leaf ionomes, scion vigour and whole plant biomass.[br/] [br/] Methods and Results[br/] Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon was grafted on two rootstock genotypes known to confer high and low vigour. Plants were grown for 60 days under three levels of nitrate supply. Stem, leaf, trunk and root biomass, and the concentration of 13 macroelements and microelements in roots and leaves were measured. High scion vigour was associated with a high concentration of elements in the leaves. The concentration of some elements in the leaves, such as phosphorus, was affected by the N supply differently in the two scion/rootstock combinations.[br/] [br/] Conclusion[br/] Differences in rootstock conferred vigour were associated with particular shoot and root ionome profiles, and these responses were dependent on N supply.[br/] [br/] Significance of the Study[br/] These results demonstrate that rootstocks alter scion growth and the leaf ionome in response to N supply.

National audience; Une large partie des engrais azotés utilisés au niveau mondial sert à fertiliser des cultures de blé. Il est donc essentiel de maximiser l’utilisation de cette ressource par la plante et de comprendre les bases physiologiques et génétiques des différences d’efficacité d’utilisation de l’azote. Celle-ci peut être décomposée en deux composantes qui sont l’efficacité d’absorption de l’azote et l’efficacité de conversion de l’azote. De nombreuses études de physiologie, écophysiologie et génétique ont été consacrées à l’évaluation et la compréhension de la variabilité génétique de l’utilisation de l’azote et ses composantes. Quatre grandes voies d’amélioration ont été identifiées pour rendre optimale la capture de l’azote, l’activité photosynthétique, l’assimilation du nitrate et enfin la remobilisation de l’azote et la teneur en protéines. Ceci a permis d’identifier des régions chromosomiques impliquées dans l’efficacité d’utilisation de l’azote et plusieurs de ces composantes, dont certaines liées à l’architecture et au fonctionnement racinaire. Plusieurs de ces régions et des gènes candidats associés sont en cours de validation par différentes approches, dont la génétique d’association et la transgénèse. Ces avancées génétiques, combinées aux développements de méthodes de phénotypage haut-débit, devraient apporter des outils supplémentaires pour continuer à améliorer l’efficacité d’utilisation de l’azote du blé tendre.

cf. thèse de doctorat (PhD thesis); Below-ground residue of agroforestry trees is an important N source for associated crops. Several studies have shown that its isotopic signature (δ15N) may change after tree pruning, which makes it difficult to study below-ground N inputs from pruned trees by isotopic techniques. We studied how temporal variation of legume root residue δ15N could be explained by considering differential decomposition kinetics and 15N content of residue fractions. A mathematical model on the isotopic patterns of soil and a N recipient plant during root decomposition was developed and applied for testing assumptions about residue characteristics against two experimental datasets. Observed 15N patterns of the recipient plants could be satisfactorily simulated only when the residue was assumed to consist of at least two fractions with distinct δ15N and decomposition rates depending on their C : N ratio. Assuming δ15N of residue constant over time resulted in substantial underestimates of N derived from low-quality residue (%Ndfr) by the recipient plant when compared with experimental data. Results of this study suggest that residue fractionation can help improve estimation of %Ndfr in isotopic studies, as an alternative or complementary method to assuming or aiming at homogenous isotopic composition of N sources.

International audience; Nitrogen (N) is an essential plant nutrient at the centre of plant metabolism being present in numerous vital organic compounds including amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids and phytohormones. In highly fertile arable soils supplied with N fertilisers, NO3 - and NH4 + ions are usually considered to be the main N forms in soil solution taken up by crop plants, the ratio of NO3-N to NH4-N often being in the order of 10-20:1. Soluble organic N is receiving increasing attention. The form of N uptake modifies rhizosphere pH which affects uptake of other soil nutrients. Acquisition of the various N forms is regulated not only by their chemical and spatial availability in the soil, but also by transport systems in the plasma membrane of root cells, root system architecture and mechanisms that regulate the activity of N transport systems and root growth, depending on plant requirements. In most fertile soils well supplied with mineral nutrients, neither N transport from the bulk soil to crop roots nor the efficient processes of NO3 - and NH4 + ion uptake by roots limit N acquisition. Uptake of N is regulated by N demand in which shoot-root interactions play an important role. Nitrate acts as a signal for metabolism and plant development which is associated with cytokinin transport. The biochemistry of N assimilation is well understood but control at molecular level much less so. Nitrogen status of plants can be characterised by the concept of critical N concentration (Nc) in relation to the long-term fall in N concentration in the dry matter as plants age. Nc represents the optimum for growth for a given crop and can be related to actual crop N concentration. Fertilisation is needed when [N] / [Nc], i.e. NNI (nitrogen nutritional index) < 1. By determining N status during crop growth, fertilisation can be carried out more efficiently as exemplified in melon cultivation. Examples are presented to demonstrate practical effects of different N forms including NO3-, NH4- and urea-N. These examples include the value of placed stabilised NH4- N in depressing rhizosphere pH on high-pH soils to increase the availability and uptake of sparingly soluble phosphate and micronutrients iron, manganese, copper, zinc and boron. These latter nutrients play a vital role, protecting plants against both biotic and abiotic stresses. The acidifying effect in the rhizosphere of symbiotically grown legumes can be of similar benefit on high pH soils. The use of NH4-N fertilisers to depress rhizosphere pH which is also associated with increased Si and Mn uptake is regularly practiced to control some plant diseases such as mildew and take-all in wheat. Water use efficiency (WUE) also relates to the form of N supply. Foliar application of urea is discussed. Signaling effects of stabilised N forms can be used to influence tiller number and yield components in wheat and barley crops. The use of NH4-N in restricting lateral shoot development in tomato production is discussed

Résumés des communications * INRA Centre d'Avignon, Documentation, Domaine St Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon cedex 9 Diffusion du document : INRA Centre d'Avignon, Documentation, Domaine St Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon cedex 9; Régulation de l'absorption azotée en relation avec la gestion des réserves carbonées et azotées chez le jeune pêcher. 1. Rencontres

De jeunes plants d’aubergine et de piment sont cultivés en solution nutritive maintenue à 4 températures différentes : 13, 18, 23 et 28 °C. Ces deux espèces réagissent fortement à une faible modification de la température racinaire puisque l’accumulation de matières sèches est multipliée par un facteur supérieur à 2,5 quand on passe de 13 à 18 °C au niveau des racines. A 23 et à 28 °C, la croissance est très comparable à celle observée à 18 °C. La moindre croissance observée à 13 °C s’accompagne ou résulte d’une consommation réduite en eau et surtout d’une modification importante de la nutrition minérale. En particulier, il apparaît à 13 °C une accumulation d’azote nitrique et d’azote organique dans les racines par rapport à 18, 23 et 28 °C. Nous notons le phénomène inverse dans le limbe. Ces observations permettent la mise en évidence d’un seuil situé entre 13 et 18 °C pour lequel le transfert d’azote vers la partie aérienne est particulièrement affecté., Young plants of eggplant and pepper were grown in nutrient solution at 4 constant root temperatures : 13, 18, 23 and 28 °C. The two species reacted strongly to the change in root temperature, plant dry weight increasing by more than 2.5 from 13 to 18 °C. At 23 and 28 °C, plant dry weight was comparable with that observed at 18 °C. The poor growth at 13 °C was accompanied by and possibly due to low water uptake and greatly modified mineral nutrition. At 13 °C nitrate and organic nitrogen accumulated in the roots, while at 18, 23 and 28 °C they accumulated in the leaves. These observations suggest a distinct threshold between 13 and 18 °C below which nitrogen transfer from root to shoot is particularly reduced.

National audience