(800-02) An in-depth characterization of phosphite-metabolizing soybean (Glycine max) plants and their interaction with weeds using high-throughput RGB and hyperspectral imaging
Postdoctoral Researcher Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas
Body of Abstract: Phosphite is emerging as a promising chemical-primer molecule to enhance plant defense responses to different environmental stresses. However, the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind these responses are poorly understood. Moreover, phosphite is toxic to plants at high concentrations. It has been demonstrated that transgenic plants with the ptxD gene can metabolize phosphite into phosphate, a crucial nutrient for plants, and allow the control of weeds. Therefore, the phosphite/ptxD system can be utilized as a trifold tool that favors weed control, provides phosphorus fertilizer, and enhances plant defense responses. This study aims to perform an in-depth characterization of the physiological responses of phosphite-metabolizing soybean plants when fertilized with phosphite to unravel the mechanisms behind its beneficial effects. Using high-throughput phenotyping, RGB and hyperspectral imaging, and biochemical assays, wild-type (wt) and ptxD-plants are under study. We have confirmed that ptxD-soybean plants are effective at metabolizing phosphite as the only phosphorous source. Multiple phosphite concentrations were tested, and 100 ppm of phosphite was found as the most suitable one that provides phosphorus fertilization and weed control. We demonstrated that phosphite allows the effective control of five weeds that affect soybean fields, including the glyphosate-resistant Palmer’s amaranth and Cocklebur, and can be used as a single fertilization strategy or as a spray for effective weed management.
These findings suggest that the phosphite/ptxD system can be a valuable tool in agriculture, ultimately aiming to enhance crop productivity and sustainability. By understanding the plant responses to phosphite treatment using phenotyping, RGB and hyperspectral imaging, and biochemical assays, and weed-phosphite interactions, we can develop innovative strategies to improve crop health and agricultural outcomes. We plan to integrate these results with other multi-omics approaches to unravel the intricate interactions between genetic, metabolic, and phenotypic responses in soybean and phosphite interactions.