New Delhi: Researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have discovered a promising method to enhance nitrogen uptake and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in plants by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels. The study offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to improve crop yields with less nitrogen application, a PIB release stated.
The NIPGR study, led by Dr Jagannath Swain, Dr Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti, Dr Nidhi Yadav, and Dr Sanjib Bal Samant, demonstrates that modulating systemic NO levels can improve NUE by regulating nitrate transporters, particularly high-affinity transporters (HATs). This innovative approach involves using pharmacological and genetic techniques to manipulate NO levels and HATs expression.
The research suggests that genetically and pharmacologically modulating NO levels to regulate HATs could be a sustainable solution to boost crop yield with reduced nitrogen inputs. The study is supported by ANRF (formerly SERB), established by the ANRF Act, 2023.
Dr. Kappuganti emphasized the potential of developing novel NO scavenging formulations based on the study’s findings. These formulations could be applied to various agroecosystems to improve NUE and reduce the dependence on nitrogen fertilizers. The team is currently exploring the use of bacteria that can act as NO scavengers in plants to further enhance Nitrogen Use Efficiency.