Nitrate-dependent changes in the primary and lateral root growth in wheat seedlings require the coordinated action of auxin, calcium and nitric oxide.

Nitrate (NO), besides serving as a major N source, also acts as a signalling molecule in plant growth and development. Studies on NO dependent regulation of root growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum) are mostly limited to morphophysiological changes, while the underlying signalling mechanisms remain largely unexplored. To bridge this gap, the present study aims to get a mechanistic understanding of the NO dependent regulation of root growth in wheat seedlings.

Root growth, yield and stress tolerance of soybean to transient waterlogging under different climatic regimes.

Global warming-induced abiotic stresses, such as waterlogging, significantly threaten crop yields. Increased rainfall intensity in recent years has exacerbated waterlogging severity, especially in lowlands and heavy soils. Its intensity is projected to increase by 14-35% in the future, posing a serious risk to crop production and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Nitrogen at the crossroads of light: integration of light signalling and plant nitrogen metabolism.

Plants have developed complex mechanisms to perceive, transduce, and respond to environmental signals, such as light, which are essential for acquiring and allocating resources, including nitrogen (N). This review delves into the complex interaction between light signals and N metabolism, emphasizing light-mediated regulation of N uptake and assimilation. Firstly, we examine the details of light-mediated regulation of N uptake and assimilation, focusing on the light-responsive activity of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrate transporters.

Calcium regulates primary nitrate response associated gene transcription in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Nitrate (NO) is the primary source of nitrogen preferred by most arable crops, including wheat. The pioneering experiment on primary nitrate response (PNR) was carried out three decades ago. Since then, much research has been carried out to understand the NO signaling.

From source to sink: mechanistic insight of photoassimilates synthesis and partitioning under high temperature and elevated [CO].

Photosynthesis is the vital metabolism of the plant affected by abiotic stress such as high temperature and elevated [CO] levels, which ultimately affect the source-sink relationship. Triose phosphate, the primary precursor of carbohydrate (starch and sucrose) synthesis in the plant, depends on environmental cues. The synthesis of starch in the chloroplasts of leaves (during the day), the transport of photoassimilates (sucrose) from source to sink, the loading and unloading of photoassimilates, and the accumulation of starch in the sink tissue all require a highly regulated network and communication system within the plant.

Role of protein phosphatases in the regulation of nitrogen nutrition in plants.

The reversible protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mediated by protein kinases and phosphatases regulate different biological processes and their response to environmental cues, including nitrogen (N) availability. Nitrate assimilation is under the strict control of phosphorylation-dephosphorylation mediated post-translational regulation. The protein phosphatase family with approximately 150 members in Arabidopsis and around 130 members in rice is a promising player in N uptake and assimilation pathways.

Elevated CO differentially regulates root nitrate transporter kinetics in a genotype and nitrate dose-dependent manner.

The nitrogen (N) and protein concentration of wheat crop and grain often decline as a result of exposure of the crop to elevated CO (EC). In our earlier studies, it was found that the exacerbated production of nitric oxide (NO) represses the transcription of nitrate reductase (NR) and high affinity nitrate transporters (HATS) in EC grown wheat seedlings receiving high N. High N supply under EC also resulted in accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS; NO and S- nitrosothiols) ensuing faster senescence and reduced N metabolite concentration in wheat.

Elevated CO alters tissue balance of nitrogen metabolism and downregulates nitrogen assimilation and signalling gene expression in wheat seedlings receiving high nitrate supply.

Tissue and canopy-level evidence suggests that elevated carbon dioxide (EC) inhibits shoot nitrate assimilation in plants and thereby affects nitrogen (N) and protein content of the economic produce. It is speculated that species or genotypes relying more on root nitrate assimilation can adapt better under EC due to the improved/steady supply of reductants required for nitrate assimilation. A study was conducted to examine the effect of EC on N assimilation and associated gene expression in wheat seedlings.

CO Elevation Accelerates Phenology and Alters Carbon/Nitrogen Metabolism ROS Abundance in Bread Wheat.

Wheat is an important staple food crop of the world and it accounts for 18-20% of human dietary protein. Recent reports suggest that CO elevation (CE) reduces grain protein and micronutrient content. In our earlier study, it was found that the enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) and the concomitant decrease in transcript abundance as well as activity of nitrate reductase (NR) and high affinity nitrate transporters (HATS) resulted in CE-mediated decrease in N metabolites in wheat seedlings.

Elevated CO-induced production of nitric oxide differentially modulates nitrate assimilation and root growth of wheat seedlings in a nitrate dose-dependent manner.

Wheat is a major staple food crop worldwide contributing approximately 20% of total protein consumed by mankind. The nitrogen and protein concentration of wheat crop and grain often decline as a result of exposure of the crop to elevated CO (EC). The changes in nitrogen (N) assimilation, root system architecture, and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated N signaling and expression of genes involved in N assimilation and high affinity nitrate uptake were examined in response to different nitrate levels and EC in wheat.