Molecular control and genetic improvement of phosphorus use efficiency in rice

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. Phosphate (Pi) fertilizer supply is an effective way to improve crop yield. However, generally, less than 25% of the applied Pi is taken up by crops. Therefore, it is urgent to improve crop P use efficiency. The overall P use efficiency includes processes of P acquisition from soil, translocation from root to shoot, allocation, utilization, and remobilization within plant; each process can be developmentally and environmentally regulated. In this review, we summarize recent studies on molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways involved in rice root Pi acquisition, Pi transportation from root to shoot, and allocation and remobilization of Pi within plant tissues. The possible strategies for improving crop P use efficiency are also discussed.