High yielding crops that require considerably less chemical fertilisers. Yes, this could be possible with a significant finding by researchers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH). The researchers have discovered a molecular secret that can revolutionise farming.
In a study of tomato plants, the team led by Prof Rahul Kumar has cracked the code on how the plants manage internal nutrient reserves, especially phosphate. The findings published in the prestigious Journal of Experimental Botany, offers critical insights that could help develop high-yielding crops requiring significantly less chemical fertilizer, says the University statement.
Phosphate is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, but current agricultural practices rely heavily on non-renewable, expensive chemical phosphate fertilizers. By identifying how the gene- PAP26b modulates the SlSPX2–SlPHL1 regulatory pathway, scientists now have a genetic target to enhance internal phosphate use efficiency (PUE) in crops, explained the UoH scientists on the significance of the research.
The team led by Prof. Rahul Kumar at The Tomato Lab (Department of Plant Sciences), includes Abhishek Roychowdhury.
Key findings from their study:
• The Recycling Driver: The gene PAP26b transfers stored phosphate (Pi) from older leaves to rapidly growing young tissues.
• Starvation Chain Reaction: Silencing PAP26b stops older leaves from recycling phosphate. This tricks young leaves and roots into a systemic starvation response (via the SlPHL1 regulator), even in normal soil conditions.
• Smart Plant Signaling: The study proves that leaf nodes maintain distinct nutrient balances. Young leaves can signal a deficiency while older leaves remain completely unaffected.
Significance to Farmers:
Phosphate is a critical macronutrient, but current agriculture relies heavily on expensive, non-renewable chemical fertilizers that cause severe soil degradation. By mapping how the SlSPX2–SlPHL1 pathway controls this nutrient flow, the UoH team has provided a precise genetic target to boost Internal Phosphate Use Efficiency (PUE). These developments lead to lower input costs to farmers, healthier soils with reduced chemical runoff and a major step towards global food security, the scientists explained.
Prof Rahul Kumar.