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Nitrate assimilation in the forage legume Lotus japonicus L.

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Abstract

Nitrate assimilation in the model legume, Lotus japonicus, has been investigated using a variety of approaches. A gene encoding a nitrate-inducible nitrate reductase (NR) has been cloned and appears to be the only NR gene present in the genome. Most of the nitrate reductase activity (NRA) is found in the roots and the plant assimilates the bulk of its nitrogen in that tissue. We calculate that the observed rates of nitrate reduction are compatible with the growth requirement for reduced nitrogen. The NR mRNA, NRA and the nitrate content do not show a strong diurnal rhythm in the roots and assimilation continues during the dark period although export of assimilated N to the shoot is lower during this time. In shoots, the previous low NR activity may be further inactivated during the dark either by a phosphorylation mechanism or due to reduced nitrate flux coincident with a decreased delivery through the transpiration stream. From nitrate-sufficient conditions, the removal of nitrate from the external medium causes a rapid drop in hydraulic conductivity and a decline in nitrate and reduced-N export. Root nitrate content, NR and nitrate transporter (NRT2) mRNA decline over a period of 2 days to barely detectable levels. On resupply, a coordinated increase of NR and NRT2 mRNA, and NRA is seen within hours.

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Abbreviations

NR:

Nitrate reductase

NRA:

Nitrate reductase activity

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Iggy Onyeocha for the NRT2 clone, Lez Saker and Judith Purves for assistance with 15N analysis. R.N.W. and A.M. gratefully acknowledge support by a BBSRC PMB II award and A.J.S. by funding from the E.U. Long Ashton Research Station received grant-aided support from the B.B.S.R.C.

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  1. Ian M. Prosser

    Present address: Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Crop Performance and Improvement Division, Integrated Plant Physiology Group, Long Ashton Research Station, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9AF, UK

    Ian M. Prosser, Agnes Massonneau, Audra J. Smyth, Rosi N. Waterhouse & David T. Clarkson

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK

    Brian G. Forde

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  1. Ian M. Prosser
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Correspondence to Ian M. Prosser.

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Prosser, I.M., Massonneau, A., Smyth, A.J. et al. Nitrate assimilation in the forage legume Lotus japonicus L.. Planta 223, 821–834 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-005-0124-9

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