Timely and efficient leaf senescence, which involves reduction of photosynthetic capacity and mobilization of nutrients from leaves to
developing seeds, is essential for reproduction in annuals, critically determining yield in annual agricultural crops. Leaf senescence is also a
significant eco-evolutionary adaptation in perennial deciduous plants, enabling them to escape or endure seasonal and aseasonal stresses.
A plethora of molecular mechanisms underpinning leaf senescence have been identified in recent years. However, large-scale global
genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of leaf senescence have not been reconciled with the diversity in leaf morphs or
phenotypic plasticity within a species. In this project, we propose to investigate specific aspects of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis (a dicot
model plant) and Oryza (the monocot cereal rice plant, a major staple crop worldwide). The main aim is to reconcile the leaf phenotype (e.g.
mass per unit area, stomatal density, light intercepting area), and physiological traits (e.g. photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration and
photorespiration rates, Italy partner) with the role of selected transcriptional factors (TFs, South Korea partner) in altering the course of
senescence in leaves. By tracking and quantifying at high resolution all these parameters, we will shed light on timing and rate of
senescence, in leaves with distinct developmental histories in the same plant, and in response to abiotic stress factors. Focus will be on
abiotic stresses exacerbated by climate change (warm nights), that likely influence leaf senescence. The long-term goal is to apply acquired
knowledge to manage and manipulate (induce or delay) leaf senescence, in order to improve plant productivity, optimizing crop yield and
resilience to abiotic stresses.
Deadline 31/12/2020
Programme MAECI
Institute Disba – Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences
Contact Francesco Loreto francesco.loreto@cnr.it
Link
Role PARTNER