Context:

Researchers recently developed a new method to boost crop yields while promoting the efficient use of nitrogen in farming practices. 

More on the News:

• The study conducted by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), shows that reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants can increase nitrogen uptake and overall nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops like rice.
• Scientists are also exploring the specific bacteria in the soil that could act as natural NO scavengers, further boosting the efficiency of nitrogen use in crops.

Key Highlights of the New Method:

• Nitrogen uptake in plants can be improved by regulating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), which controls the activity of high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs).
• This regulated way of ‘NO’ offers a sustainable boost to crop yields, even with lower nitrogen inputs or in areas with limited nitrogen availability.
• In this Method the wild type (WT) plants were treated with ‘NO’ donor (SNAP) and NO scavenger (cPTIO) and the NUE was monitored.
• The expression of high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs) like NRT2.1 and NRT2.4 was increased by overexpressing phytoglobin (a natural NO scavenger) leading to more efficient nitrogen uptake, under low NO conditions. 
• The NUE was estimated by studying the shoot nitrogen level, amino acid content and overall plant growth.  
• This method has the potential to significantly improve crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
• It is an alternative to 

Drawbacks of the Traditional Method:

• Current agricultural practices rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers.
• They focus on agronomic strategies, such as splitting nitrogen fertilizer applications or using slow-release formulas. 
• It not only raises costs for farmers but also harms the environment by releasing excess nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Moreover, the production of these fertilizers is also unsustainable. 

Nitrogen cycle in Plant

• Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen (N2). 
• However, plants can't directly use nitrogen in its N2 form and it must go through a process called the nitrogen cycle.
• During this process N2 is converted into various compounds such as nitrogen oxides, ammonium, and nitrates so that plants can absorb.