Compilation of content highlights and benefits: The discovery of a mechanism that boosts osmotic potential (Op) and phosphorus (P) accumulation in rice plants could help to sustain rice grain production in this water-deficit environment. It will be an important strategic point for future improvements to mechanisms that keep rice crop yields stable in drought conditions.

Researchers: Suravoot Yooyongwech and his team of investigators

Years of execution: 2023

Funder Name: Thailand Research Fund and Mahidol University

The investigation of mechanisms for food crop development in terms of environmental sustainability. It is critical in maintaining the homeostasis of the food cropping system in today’s changing climate. A 2023 report published in the journal Scientific Reports attempted to improve the efficiency of the plant mechanism and yield of the ‘Lum Pua’ rice variety during a relatively long period of water deficit (21 days) by combining some arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM).

The test results were particularly interesting for the Funneliformis mosseae mycorrhiza, which was combined with the other two AM types, Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Acaulospora fovaeta. It was the only treatment that identified critical conditions for increasing osmotic potential in rice tissue despite the water deficit. Furthermore, the phosphorus content was revealed that using AM combinations, 1) F. mosseae combined with C. etunicatum, and 2) F. mosseae combined with C. etunicatum and A. fovaeta, stimulated an increase in the nutrient content during dehydration, particularly in the shoots. In this study, only three mycorrhizal combinations were able to sustain rice plants during water shortage while significantly preserving rice yield. The discovery of the mechanism that causes an increase in osmotic potential as well as phosphorus accumulation in the rice plants can help sustain rice grain production in this water-stressed environment. This could be a key strategy point for future research into mechanisms for sustaining rice crop yield in drought conditions. In terms of farmer or user, this experiment can be applied in rice-growing areas experiencing water scarcity or in areas with limited water allocation for agriculture.

Ref: Yooyongwech S, Tisarum R, Samphumphuang T, Phisalaphong M, Cha-Um S. Integrated strength of osmotic potential and phosphorus to achieve grain yield of rice under water deficit by arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi. Sci. Rep. 2023; 13:5999. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33304-x