Molecular basis of differential nitrogen use efficiencies and nitrogen source preferences in contrasting Arabidopsis accessions

Natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana differ in their growth and development, but also vary dramatically in their nitrogen use efficiencies (NUE). The molecular basis for these differences has not been addressed yet. Experiments with five contrasting accessions grown in hydroponics at different levels of inorganic nitrogen confirmed low NUE of Col-0 and higher NUE in Tsu-0. At constant external nitrogen supply, higher NUE was based on nitrogen capture, rather than utilization of nitrogen for shoot biomass. This changed when a limited nitrogen amount was supplied. Nevertheless, the total NUE sequence remained similar. Interestingly, the two most contrasting accessions, Col-0 and Tsu-0, differed in the capture of single inorganic nitrogen sources, reflected by the differential consumption of 15 N label from ammonium or nitrate, when supplied together. Tsu-0 acquired more nitrate than Col-0, both in roots and shoots. This preference was directly correlated with the expression of certain nitrogen uptake and assimilation systems in the root. However, early transcriptional responses of the root to nitrate deprivation were similar in both accessions, suggesting that the sensing of the external lack of nitrate was not different in the more nitrogen use efficient accession. Thus, a robust rapid nitrate-deprivation signaling exists in both genotypes.