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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Plant Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #405982
Research Project: Genetic Improvement and Cropping Systems of Alfalfa for Livestock Utilization, Environmental Protection and Soil Health

Location: Plant Science Research

Title: Gene edited alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) for hyper phosphorus accumulation

Author
item POUDEL, KABITA - University Of Minnesota
item Curtin, Shaun
item SHEAFFER, CRAIG - University Of Minnesota
item Xu, Zhanyou

Submitted to: National Association of Plant Breeders
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2023
Publication Date: 7/20/2023
Citation: Poudel, K., Curtin, S.J., Sheaffer, C., Xu, Z. 2023. Gene edited alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) for hyper phosphorus accumulation. National Association of Plant Breeders. Greenville, SC. July 16-20, 2023.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Low Phosphorus (P) concentration affects crop yield and extra P runoff from the soil into waterways results in eutrophication. This research utilizes a gene edited alfalfa line (photm65-2) generated by targeted mutagenesis of PHOSPHATE2 (PHO2) using CRISPR/Cas9 reagents. The mutant accumulates 5- to 6-fold more phosphate ion (Pi) in herbage than the wildtype control in greenhouse experiments. The objectives of this research are to: (1) determine P acquisition and utilization efficiency of gene-edited alfalfa in the field, (2) characterize the hyperaccumulating alfalfa responses under various phosphorus fertilizer rates, (3) Integrate hyper P accumulating traits into elite and high biomass lines of alfalfa. Hyperaccumulating alfalfa with improved Pi uptake will reduce the cost of alfalfa production. Similarly, it will have practical applications in reclaiming Pi from contaminated or enriched soil, thus decreasing eutrophication and protecting the environment.