“This discovery helps explain how plants translate nutrient stress into developmental timing. By understanding that mechanism, we can begin designing crops that flower and yield optimally even in nutrient-poor environments.”
The study focused on Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant often used in research. Scientists observed that plants grown in low-phosphorus conditions flowered later than usual. Through genome-wide association mapping, they identified a key protein called bGLU25. Although this protein belongs to a family of enzymes, it does not break down carbohydrates. Instead, it acts as a messenger that reports nutrient status inside the plant.
Under normal phosphorus levels, bGLU25 remains inside the endoplasmic reticulum. During phosphorus shortage, it is cut by another protein, SCPL50, causing it to move into the cytosol. This movement acts as a molecular switch that changes how the plant decides when to flower.
Once released, bGLU25 binds to another protein, AtJAC1, which then traps a third protein, GRP7. GRP7 normally controls genes that influence flowering, so by preventing it from entering the nucleus, the plant increases Flowering Locus C activity and delays flowering.
This finely tuned system helps plants survive until conditions improve. Scientists believe similar mechanisms also operate in crops like rice, offering new opportunities to breed varieties that flower reliably even in poor soils.
Understanding this nutrient-responsive switch may guide the development of “nutrient-smart” crops that use less fertilizer, support environmental goals, and maintain stable yields in difficult conditions.
Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe