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Natural variation of OsWRKY23 drives difference in nitrate use efficiency between indica and japonica rice

Author

Listed:
  • Siyu Zhang

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Zhe Ji

    (University of Oxford)

  • Wu Jiao

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Chengbo Shen

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Yaojun Qin

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Yunzhi Huang

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Menghan Huang

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Shuming Kang

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Xuan Liu

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Shunqi Li

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Zulong Mo

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Ying Yu

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Bingyu Jiang

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Yanan Tian

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Longfei Wang

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Qingxin Song

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Shaokui Wang

    (South China Agricultural University)

  • Shan Li

    (Nanjing Agricultural University
    Nanjing Agricultural University)

Abstract

Between the two major rice subspecies, indica varieties generally exhibit higher nitrate (NO3‒) uptake and nitrogen (N)-use efficiency (NUE) than japonica varieties. Introducing efficient NO3‒ utilization alleles from indica into japonica could improve NUE, and at the same time uncover unknown regulators of NO3‒ metabolism. Here, we identify OsWRKY23 as a key regulator of NO3‒ uptake and NUE differences between indica and japonica rice. The OsWRKY23indica allele exhibits reduced transcriptional activation of a negative regulator of auxin accumulation, DULL NITROGEN RESPONSE1 (DNR1). The resultant increase in auxin level improves NO3‒ uptake and assimilation, which ultimately enhances grain yield. Geographical and evolutionary analyses reveal overlapping distribution of OsWRKY23indica and DNR1indica, particularly in low-fertility soils, suggesting their involvement in the adaptation to low N conditions to improve NUE and grain yield. Incorporating the OsWRKY23-DNR1 module from indica rice represents a promising strategy to enhance japonica NUE, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Siyu Zhang & Zhe Ji & Wu Jiao & Chengbo Shen & Yaojun Qin & Yunzhi Huang & Menghan Huang & Shuming Kang & Xuan Liu & Shunqi Li & Zulong Mo & Ying Yu & Bingyu Jiang & Yanan Tian & Longfei Wang & Qingxi, 2025. "Natural variation of OsWRKY23 drives difference in nitrate use efficiency between indica and japonica rice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56752-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56752-7
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