Publication details
Dynamic changes in root hydraulic properties in response to nitrate availability
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2007 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Experimental Botany |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Botany |
| Keywords | hydraulic resistance;nitrate;Helianthus anuus |
| Description | We explored in detail changes in root hydraulic resistance in response to alterations in nitrate supply as a potential mechanism that allows plants to respond rapidly to changes in their environment. Sunflower (Helianthus anuus cv. Holiday) plants grown in hydroponics with limited nitrate availability served as our model. The response was rapid, with a decrease of about 20% occurring within the first hour after addition of 5mM nitrate. We also showed that the magnitude of this effect was dependent on nitrate concentration. The change in root hydraulic resistance was largely reversible, although the temporal dynamics of the response to nitrate addition versus nitrate withdrawal differed, raising the possibility that the underlying mechanisms may also differ. We present evidence that the observed changes in root hydraulic properties, presumably due to changes in the activity of aquaporins, are linked with a reduction in nitrate concentration in root cells. We propose that a rapid decrease in root hydraulic resistance in the presence of increased nitrate availability is an important trait that could enhance a plants ability to compete for nitrate in the soil. |
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