Effect of copper on nitrogen uptake, transportation, assimilation processes, and related gene expression in Chinese cabbage [ Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis (L.)] under various nitrate-to-ammonium ratios

Improving vegetable yield and optimizing its quality through nutrient management have long been central to plant nutrition and horticultural science. Copper (Cu) is recognized as an essential trace element that promotes plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which Cu influences nit...

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Published inFrontiers in plant science Vol. 15; p. 1427720
Main Authors Wen, Xin, Xu, Peiran, Tang, Yafang, Zhong, Hang, Chen, Pan, Zhu, Zhenhao, Zhang, Xinya, Zhang, Xiaohui, Du, Aoran
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 25.09.2024
Subjects
Chinese cabbage
copper
gene expression
nitrate/ammonium ratios
nitrogen metabolism
Plant Science
copper
nitrate/ammonium ratios
gene expression
Chinese cabbage
nitrogen metabolism
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Summary:Improving vegetable yield and optimizing its quality through nutrient management have long been central to plant nutrition and horticultural science. Copper (Cu) is recognized as an essential trace element that promotes plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which Cu influences nitrogen (N) metabolism remain largely unknown, with limited studies exploring the interaction between Cu and varying nitrate-to-ammonium (nitrate/ammonium) ratios. In this study, Chinese cabbage was exposed to two Cu concentrations (0 and 0.02 mg L ) in combination with three nitrate/ammonium ratios (10/90, 50/50, and 90/10) under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Cu application increased plant biomass, nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activities, the expression of NR ( ) and GS2 ( ) genes, and N content in both shoots and roots. Additionally, Cu treatment decreased nitrate and free amino acid contents, as well as the expression of nitrate transporters and in roots while increasing these four parameters in shoots. Additionally, these effects were significantly modulated by the nitrate/ammonium ratios. In conclusion, Cu may facilitate nitrate transportation, enhance nitrate reduction, promote ammonium assimilation, and influence the transformation of organic N compounds, highlighting its potential role in improving N metabolism in Chinese cabbage.
Bibliography:Angel Llamas, University of Cordoba, Spain
These authors have contributed equally to this work
Edited by: Haijun Gong, Northwest A&F University, China
Reviewed by: Yongxing Zhu, Yangtze University, China
ISSN:1664-462X
1664-462X
DOI:10.3389/fpls.2024.1427720