Description

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Context:

Researchers have demonstrated that reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants can significantly improve nitrogen uptake and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in rice and Arabidopsis.

About Nitrogen Use Efficiency

It is a term used to describe the efficiency of a facility in using applied or fixed nitrogen for biomass production.
It is further defined as the ratio between crop yield and the amount of nitrogen absorbed from the soil by roots or from the atmosphere by fixation by bacteria.
NUE is an important trait in crop breeding programs that aim to improve crop yield while reducing input costs such as fertilizers while keeping nitrogen out of the environment.
Problems with traditional methods: It is used to increase NUE which often involves the application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. These procedures, while effective, have significant drawbacks.
They can lead to increased operating costs for farmers and contribute to environmental problems such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from fertilizer production. Excessive use of these fertilizers also contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Findings of the Study

Aspect	Details
Role of Nitric Oxide (NO)	Regulates nitrate uptake by controlling nitrate transporters. Lower NO levels activate hig- affinity nitrate transporters (HATs).
Impact of Phytoglobin	Overexpressing phytoglobin (a natural NO scavenger) boosts the expression of HATs (e.g., NRT2.1, NRT2.4), improving nitrogen uptake under low NO conditions.
Protein Nitrosylation	Biochemical modification by NO crucial for nitrogen regulation. Targeting this process improves nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
NO Scavenging Formulations	Development of NO scavenging formulations adaptable to diverse agroecosystems aids in reducing nitrogen fertilizer usage.
Importance of Improving NUE	Reduces excessive nitrogen fertilizer use. Mitigates environmental pollution (e.g., nitrate leaching, greenhouse gas emissions). Enhances crop yields.

Methods Used

Genetic Manipulation: Genetic manipulation involves altering plant genes to control nitric oxide levels in the cells.
Pharmacological Manipulation: Pharmacological manipulation involves using chemical compounds called NO scavengers to reduce nitric oxide concentration in plants.

Meaning of Nitric Oxide (NO):

It plays a key role in the regulation of various physiological processes in plants. It is involved in the activation of high-affinity nitrate transporters, which are crucial for nitrogen uptake, especially under low nitrogen conditions.

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Source:

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is a critical factor in enhancing agricultural sustainability and mitigating environmental challenges. Discuss the role of Nitric Oxide in regulating NUE and explain the potential benefits of improving NUE in the context of reducing fertilizer usage. (250 words)