AUTHOR=Li Shichen , Jiang Tao , Ahmed Waqar , Yang Yingfen , Yang Linyuan , Zhang Tao , Mei Fupeng , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Shan Qu , Guo Cuilian , Zhao Zhengxiong 

TITLE=Deciphering the impact of nitrogen morphologies distribution on nitrogen and biomass accumulation in tobacco plants

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1377364

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2024.1377364

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background and aims</title><p>Nitrogen (N) distribution in plants is intricately linked to key physiological functions, including respiration, photosynthesis, structural development, and nitrogen storage. However, the specific effects of different N morphologies on N accumulation and plant growth are poorly understood. Our research specifically focused on determining how different N morphologies affect N absorption and biomass accumulation.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>This study elucidated the impact of different application rates (CK: 0 g N/plant; T1: 4 g N/plant; T2: 8 g N/plant) of N fertilizer on N and biomass accumulation in tobacco cultivars Hongda and K326 at different growth stages.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Our findings emphasize the critical role of N distribution in various plant parts, including leaves, stems, and roots, in determining the complex mechanisms of N and biomass accumulation in tobacco. We found that in relation to total N, a greater ratio of water-soluble N (<italic>N</italic><sub>w</sub>) in leaves facilitated N accumulation in leaves. In contrast, an increased ratio of SDS (detergent)-insoluble N (<italic>N</italic><sub>in-SDS</sub>) in leaves and non-protein N (<italic>N</italic><sub>np</sub>) in roots hindered this increase. Additionally, our results indicate that a greater proportion of <italic>N</italic><sub>np</sub> in leaves has a negative impact on biomass accumulation in leaves. Furthermore, elevated levels of <italic>N</italic><sub>in-SDS</sub>, <italic>N</italic><sub>w</sub>, and <italic>N</italic><sub>np</sub> in roots, and <italic>N</italic><sub>np</sub> in leaves adversely affected biomass accumulation in tobacco leaves. The Hongda cultivar exhibited greater biomass and N accumulation abilities as compared to K326.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>Our findings highlight the significant role of distribution of N morphologies on plant growth, as well as N and biomass accumulation in tobacco plants. Understanding N distribution allows farmers to optimize N application, minimizing environmental losses and maximizing yield for specific cultivars. These insights advance sustainable agriculture by promoting efficient resource use and reducing environmental impact.</p></sec>