Short-Term Magnesium Deficiency Triggers Nutrient Retranslocation in Arabidopsis thaliana

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Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is essential for many biological processes in plant cells, and its deficiency causes yield reduction in crop systems. Low Mg status reportedly affects photosynthesis, sucrose partitioning and biomass allocation. However, earlier physiological responses to Mg deficiency are scarcely described. Here, we report that Mg deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana first modified the mineral profile in mature leaves within 1 or 2 days, then affected sucrose partitioning after 4 days, and net photosynthesis and biomass production after 6 days. The short-term Mg deficiency reduced the contents of phosphorus (P), potassium, manganese, zinc and molybdenum in mature but not in expanding (young) leaves. While P content decreased in mature leaves, P transport from roots to mature leaves was not affected, indicating that Mg deficiency triggered retranslocation of the mineral nutrients from mature leaves. A global transcriptome analysis revealed that Mg deficiency triggered the expression of genes involved in defence response in young leaves.
Funding Information
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (KAKENHI JP19J22719, KAKENHI JP19K05751, JSPS and F.R.S.-FNRS Bilateral Joint Research Project)
  • Japan Science and Technology Agency (PRESTO JPMJPR15Q7)
  • Cabinet Office, Government of Japan (Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), “Technologies for Smart Bio-industry and Agriculture”)

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