Researchers from Zhejiang Normal University in China investigated the potential of cloning the HaGLK gene of sunflowers to improve rice productivity and environmental adaptability.
The HaGLK gene helps with the development of chloroplasts, where photosynthesis occurs, making them directly responsible for how efficiently a plant performs photosynthesis. In addition, HaGLK also plays a role in how plants respond to difficult environmental conditions.
The study noted that sunflowers have the ability to grow in barren and arid regions. They are known for their drought and salt tolerance.
Sunflower power
Researchers hypothesised that overexpressing the HaGLK gene into rice could impart similar traits and characteristics.
“We hypothesize that overexpression of the HaGLK gene in rice may enhance its tolerance to salt stress, drought resistance, and photosynthetic capacity. To test this hypothesis, we constructed the overexpression of HaGLK rice transgenic plants and analysed their photosynthetic performance, agronomic traits, and stress resistance.”
They engineered rice plants to overexpress the HaGLK gene and compared it to the control rice variety Zhonghua 11.
The engineered plants were found to have higher levels of chlorophyll, a greater photosynthetic rate, and larger chloroplasts in their leaves.
These traits led to a significant increase in grain yield of 13.06% and 12.60% in two separate transgenic lines.
At the same time, the study confirmed that HaGLK did not affect overall plant development and disrupt growth.
The addition of the HaGLK gene also changed several physical traits of the rice plants, making the leaves wider and the panicles longer.
The researchers said that the increase in yield was mainly due to a higher number of grains per panicle.
While the grain shape also changed slightly, there was no significant difference compared to the control.
The study also showed that HaGLK-modified rice was better able to withstand drought and salt stress. The plants developed longer roots and stems during germination and showed less wilting under stress. They also had higher survival rates compared to unmodified rice.
The observation was that the HaGLK rice could close its stomata more quickly to reduce water loss. This suggested that HaGLK helps rice adapt to harsh conditions without compromising photosynthesis.
Future potential
These findings highlight the potential of HaGLK as a useful genetic tool in the development of resilient, high-yield rice varieties in the face of a changing climate.
Moving forward, future studies need to explore how HaGLK works in rice plants and if it could be applied to other crops.
“Future research should aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which heterologous HaGLK expression modulates photosynthetic efficiency and stress responses in rice. These findings will provide vital genetic resources for breeding salt- and drought-tolerant rice cultivars, while establishing a theoretical foundation for functional studies of the HaGLK gene in sunflower.”
Source: Biology
Sunflower HaGLK Enhances Photosynthesis, Grain Yields, and Stress Tolerance of Rice
Authors: Luo et al.
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080946