Research Assistant Professor Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas
Body of Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development and is an component of different macromolecules like nucleic acid and phospholipids. P plays a role in supporting root growth, transporting sugar and other nutrients, and helps to transport and store energy. Phosphate deficiency can cause stunted growth and reduced yields. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important cereal crop widely used all over the world as food, fodder, and biofuel. Sorghum grain yield is strongly associated with the phosphorus intake by the plant. Despite being present in abundance, phosphorus is not readily available for plant uptake as it is usually immobilized as organic and inorganic components in the soil. Through evolution, plants have developed strategies to acquire and sufficiently use inorganic phosphate (Pi) for their survival. In this research work, we focused on the effect of phosphate deficiency on root exudates of sorghum plants grown in a hydroponic system. Root exudates from plants grown on phosphate sufficient(P+) and deficient(P-) media were analyzed by Liquide Chromatography (LC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). The results of this analysis showed the presence of various secondary metabolites which were likely activated by nutrient deficiency. To further understand these effects, root samples from plants grown on P+ and P- media were used to isolate RNA for RNASeq analysis. Sequencing data revealed differential expressions patterns of genes responsible for producing secondary metabolites present in the root exudates. his study provides valuable insight into how phosphate deficiency affects the growth and metabolism of sorghum. It suggests that there is a complex network of gene regulation and metabolic pathways activated by phosphate deficiency and responsible for producing secondary metabolites. This could form the basis for further research into how phosphate deficiency affects the growth and metabolism of other crops.