A crucial role for a node‐localized transporter, HvSPDT, in loading phosphorus into barley grains

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.18057
• Publication Date: 2022-02-26T06:53:57Z
• Authors: Mian Gu; Hengliang Huang; Hiroshi Hisano; Guangda Ding; Sheng Huang; Namiki Mitani‐Ueno; Kengo Yokosho; Kazuhiro Sato; Naoki Yamaji; Jian Feng Ma
• Keywords: Hordeum; Redistribution; Knockout mouse

Grains are the major sink of phosphorus (P) in cereal crops, accounting for 60-85% total plant P, but mechanisms underlying P loading into grains poorly understood. We functionally characterized a transporter gene required distribution to barley (Hordeum vulgare), HvSPDT (SULTR-like transporter). encoded plasma membrane-localized Pi/H+ cotransporter. It was mainly expressed nodes at both vegetative and reproductive stages. Furthermore, its expression induced by inorganic phosphate (Pi) deficiency. In nodes, xylem phloem region enlarged diffuse vascular bundles. Knockout decreased new leaves, increased old leaves growth stage under low supply. However, knockout did not alter redistribution from young organs. At stage, significantly allocation grains, resulting considerable reduction grain yield, especially P-limited conditions. Our results indicate that node-based plays crucial role through preferentially distributing further phloem.