Molecular and physiological traits related to Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Author(s)
Mauceri, Antonio
Date Issued
May 13, 2020
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) yield is highly sensitive to N fertilization, whose excessive use is responsible of environment and human health damages. Lowering N input together with the selection of improved Nitrogen-Use-Efficiency (NUE) genotypes could be challenging to maintain high yields. The aim of this study was to explore the natural variation among 19 eggplant accessions in response to low and high NO3- supply to identify NUE-contrasting genotypes, in hydroponic and greenhouse pot experiments. AM222, 67-3 and AM22, 305E40 accessions were identified as N-use efficient and inefficient, respectively. Overall, the results indicated the key role of N-utilization component (NUtE) to confer high NUE, suggesting GS as a key enzyme.
To deeply understanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying NUE complex trait, the four selected eggplant genotypes were employed for both transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches. Metabolomics results highlighted that “Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism” was highly affected in the efficient genotypes, while RNA-seq analysis was able to underlined differential gene transcripts involved in processes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) rate‐limiting production that could be attributed to a higher antioxidant activity ability of the N-use efficient genotypes.
Furthermore, we highlight in the efficient genotypes a transcription factor belonging at the WRKY family that maybe play a role in the response to abiotic stress.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze, tecnologie e biotecnologie per la sostenibilità
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