Analysis of Potato Physiological and Biochemical Adaptable Mechanism in Response to Water and Nitrogen Interaction

Abstract

Aims Water and nitrogen are essential for potato growth and development. To understand how potato adapts to changes in soil water and nitrogen content. Methods Potato plant adaptations to changes in soil moisture and nitrogen levels were analyzed at the physiological and transcriptomic levels in four treatment groups: adequate nitrogen under drought, adequate nitrogen under sufficient irrigation, limited nitrogen under drought, and limited nitrogen under sufficient irrigation. Results Many light-capture pigment complex genes and oxygen release complex genes were differentially expressed in leaves when nitrogen levels were increased under drought conditions, and several genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes in the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle were up-regulated; furthermore, leaf stomatal conductance decreased, whereas the saturated vapor pressure difference and relative chlorophyll content in the chloroplasts increased. StSP6A, a key gene in potato tuber formation, was down-regulated in response to increased nitrogen application, and the stolon growth time was prolonged. Genes related to root nitrogen metabolism were highly expressed, and protein content in the tuber increased. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 32 gene expression modules and 34 key candidate genes that responded to changes in water and nitrogen levels. Conclusions High nitrogen levels prolonged the stolon growing period. Under drought conditions, increasing nitrogen levels increased light energy conversion efficiency and tuber protein content. A total of 34 key candidate genes were identified and a preliminary molecular model of potato responses to alterations in soil water and nitrogen content was constructed.