Chuanyong Xiong1, Xiaoqing Li1, Xin Wang1, Jingxin Wang1, Hans Lambers1,2, Carroll P Vance3, Jianbo Shen1, Lingyun Cheng1. 1. Department of Plant Nutrition, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Academy of National Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. 2. School of Biological Sciences and UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia. 3. Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota and United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, St. Paul, MN, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Initiation of cluster roots in white lupin (Lupinus albus) under phosphorus (P) deficiency requires auxin signalling, whereas flavonoids inhibit auxin transport. However, little information is available about the interactions between P deficiency and flavonoids in terms of cluster-root formation in white lupin. METHODS: Hydroponic and aeroponic systems were used to investigate the role of flavonoids in cluster-root formation, with or without 75 μm P supply. KEY RESULTS: Phosphorus-deficiency-induced flavonoid accumulation in cluster roots depended on developmental stage, based on in situ determination of fluorescence of flavonoids and flavonoid concentration. LaCHS8, which codes for a chalcone synthase isoform, was highly expressed in cluster roots, and silencing LaCHS8 reduced flavonoid production and rootlet density. Exogenous flavonoids suppressed cluster-root formation. Tissue-specific distribution of flavonoids in roots was altered by P deficiency, suggesting that P deficiency induced flavonoid accumulation, thus fine-tuning the effect of flavonoids on cluster-root formation. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited expression of an auxin-responsive DR5:GUS marker, suggesting an interaction of flavonoids and auxin in regulating cluster-root formation. CONCLUSIONS: Phosphorus deficiency triggered cluster-root formation through the regulation of flavonoid distribution, which fine-tuned an auxin response in the early stages of cluster-root development. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cluster-root formation under P deficiency.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Initiation of cluster roots in white lupin (Lupinus albus) under phosphorus (P) deficiency requires auxin signalling, whereas flavonoids inhibit auxin transport. However, little information is available about the interactions between P deficiency and flavonoids in terms of cluster-root formation in white lupin. METHODS: Hydroponic and aeroponic systems were used to investigate the role of flavonoids in cluster-root formation, with or without 75 μm P supply. KEY RESULTS: Phosphorus-deficiency-induced flavonoid accumulation in cluster roots depended on developmental stage, based on in situ determination of fluorescence of flavonoids and flavonoid concentration. LaCHS8, which codes for a chalcone synthase isoform, was highly expressed in cluster roots, and silencing LaCHS8 reduced flavonoid production and rootlet density. Exogenous flavonoids suppressed cluster-root formation. Tissue-specific distribution of flavonoids in roots was altered by P deficiency, suggesting that P deficiency induced flavonoid accumulation, thus fine-tuning the effect of flavonoids on cluster-root formation. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited expression of an auxin-responsive DR5:GUS marker, suggesting an interaction of flavonoids and auxin in regulating cluster-root formation. CONCLUSIONS: Phosphorus deficiency triggered cluster-root formation through the regulation of flavonoid distribution, which fine-tuned an auxin response in the early stages of cluster-root development. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cluster-root formation under P deficiency.