Low Nitrogen Stress Promotes Root Nitrogen Uptake and Assimilation in Strawberry: Contribution of Hormone Networks

Summary

Low nitrogen stress severely impedes crop growth and productivity. There has been substantial research on root adaptation to low nitrogen conditions in many plant species. However, the mechanism underlying the morphological response of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) root to low-NO3− or low-NH4+ stress remains poorly understood. Strawberry plants were hydroponically cultivated under 1 mM NO3−, 1 mM NH4+, and control (15 mM NO3−) conditions to assess the physiological responses of their roots to low nitrogen stress. As a result, low nitrogen stresses increased the fresh weight of root, lateral root density, and root surface area, as well as enhanced the accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid and jasmonic acid while significantly reducing salicylic acid in the roots. Correspondingly