Natural variation at XND1 impacts root hydraulics and trade-off for stress responses in Arabidopsis

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06430-8
• Publication Date: 2018-09-18T16:01:16Z
• Authors: Ning Tang; Zaigham Shahzad; Fabien Lonjon; Olivier Loudet; Fabienne Vailleau; Christophe Maurel
• Keywords: Biotic stress

Soil water uptake by roots is a key component of plant performance and adaptation to adverse environments. Here, we use genome-wide association analysis identify the XYLEM NAC DOMAIN 1 (XND1) transcription factor as negative regulator Arabidopsis root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr). The distinct functionalities series natural XND1 variants single nucleotide polymorphism that determines translation efficiency demonstrate significance variation at species-wide level. Phenotyping xnd1 mutants show modulates Lpr through action on xylem formation potential indirect effects aquaporin function it diminishes drought stress tolerance. also mediates inhibition bacterial elicitor flagellin counteracts infection pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Thus, genetic XND1, differentiation contribute resolving major trade-off between abiotic biotic resistance in Arabidopsis.