Breeding for nitrogen use efficiency

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2012

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a constituent of several organic compounds in plants. Consequently, this element is the most essential to plants. The identification of genotypes able to use nitrogen more efficiently is a slow process due the complexity of the metabolism of nitrogen, the influence of several environmental factors and the great variation in the species studied. N use efficiency (NUE) is defined as the weight of the gains divided by the amount of N available in the soil. Because NUE involves several components, there are several ways to modify gene expression and thereby increase the NUE, from classic plant breeding methods to applied biotechnology. Strategies to improve the absorption and assimilation of N are currently being evaluated in many plant species under field conditions and should be implemented quickly to breeding strategies. While methods for understanding the mechanisms of remobilization and utilization of N during grain development are still not defined, once discovered, they will significantly increase NUE in crop species.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Plant Breeding for Abiotic Stress Tolerance

First Page

53

Last Page

65

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