Research Projects

Achieving sustainable agricultural productivity under the constraints of climate change and diminishing natural resources is a critical global imperative. The extensive use of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers has significantly contributed to increased crop yields, yet it has also led to alarming environmental consequences such as eutrophication, soil degradation, and nitrous oxide emissions. Moreover, fertilizer subsidies impose a substantial financial burden on governments. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop crop varieties with improved nutrient use efficiency (NUE) to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers without compromising yield potential. A promising and widely accepted strategy to enhance NUE is through the manipulation of Strigolactones (SLs), a recently characterized class of plant hormones involved in developmental plasticity specifically under nutrient stress. SLs are now recognized as key regulators of root system architecture (RSA), influencing traits such as lateral root initiation, primary root elongation, and root hair formation especially under nutrient-limited conditions. While these morphological changes are well documented, the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Hypothesis and Conceptual Framework: We hypothesize that SL-mediated nutrient stress adaptation operates through a defined set of downstream molecular components that orchestrate root architectural changes. Identifying and functionally characterizing these components will provide critical insight into the hormone-morphology-nutrient acquisition nexus, opening avenues for the development of resource-efficient crops. Objectives: (1) To identify and prioritize novel candidate genes regulating SL-mediated root development. (2) To functionally characterize two shortlisted candidates TOUGH and IRX3 with predicted roles in SL-dependent root architecture regulation and nutrient stress response. (3) To validate the translational relevance of these genes in rice (Oryza sativa) for enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency. Approach and Methodology: I conducted an SL based genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Arabidopsis thaliana tracking a number of root phenotype response to exogenous SL application. TOUGH (an RNA processing-associated protein) and IRX3 (involved in secondary wall formation) are emerged as strong candidates based on trait association and expression profiles under SL treatment. These genes will be subjected to a multi-tiered investigation: €Gene functional studies in Arabidopsis in relation to SL-mediated root architecture regulation by including, knockouts and overexpression phenotyping under nutrient-deficient and SL-altered conditions. € Transcriptome profiling and promoter activity assays to elucidate regulatory circuits involving these genes in the SL pathway. € Protein interaction and subcellular localization studies to define their role in cellular processes linked to RSA modulation. € Translational research in rice, including gene editing and root morphological analysis under controlled and field-mimicking low-nutrient conditions. Expected Outcomes and Significance: This study will decipher novel genetic regulators acting downstream of SL signaling in the context of root architecture regulation and nutrient stress. It will generate new mechanistic knowledge on plant developmental plasticity and provide functionally validated candidate genes for targeted NUE improvement. Fundamental Impact: € Advances our understanding of hormonal control of root development under abiotic stress. € Identifies new components in the strigolactone response network, expanding current models of nutrient sensing and response. Applied Relevance: € Offers potential for engineering or breeding crop varieties with reduced fertilizer requirements. € Supports the transition towards climate-smart, input-efficient agriculture in line with national priorities and SDG targets.