Excessive use of nitrogen (N) in crops, such as potatoes, can lead to economic and environmental repercussions. We hypothesized that potato genotypes with resilient root systems and high genetic capabilities for nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) could effectively mitigate these challenges. Consequently, we investigated intraspecific variations and characteristics within six distinct potato genotypes exhibiting diverse NUEs in response to varying nitrogen levels in an aeroponic system. The morpho-physiological and biochemical properties showed significant genotypic variations, especially related to the N-assimilating enzyme levels and root characteristics. Notably, the root systems of all genotypes demonstrated greater responsiveness to low nitrogen levels, with genotype C17 showcasing the most substantial root system irrespective of nitrogen concentration. Root morphological traits displayed robust positive correlations with NUtE, primarily influenced by genotype rather than nitrogen concentration. Conversely, nitrogen levels, displaying positive correlations with NUpE, influenced growth and activities of N-assimilating enzymes. Based on their distinct root systems, metabolic activities, and NUE profiles, genotypes C17 and C11 were determined to be N-efficient and N-inefficient, respectively. This study provides novel insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency in potato genotypes under aeroponic conditions, offering potential targets for breeding programs, optimizing fertilizer management and cultivation strategies to improve crop performance under nitrogen-deficient conditions. Future investigations, employing multi-omics approaches, will elucidate key genes and pathways in nitrogen metabolism, potentially offering avenues to enhance root architecture and improve NUE.

中文翻译：

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破译气培学中的氮动力学：在对比马铃薯基因型中影响氮利用效率的物理生化和酶反应


在马铃薯等作物中过量使用氮 （N） 会导致经济和环境影响。我们假设具有弹性根系和高氮利用效率 （NUE） 遗传能力的马铃薯基因型可以有效缓解这些挑战。因此，我们研究了六种不同马铃薯基因型中的种内变异和特征，这些基因型在气培系统中响应不同的氮水平而表现出不同的 NUE。形态生理生化特性表现出显著的基因型变异，尤其与 N 同化酶水平和根特性有关。值得注意的是，所有基因型的根系都表现出对低氮水平的更强响应性，无论氮浓度如何，基因型 C17 都显示出最丰富的根系。根形态性状与 NUtE 表现出强正相关，主要受基因型而不是氮浓度的影响。相反，与 NUpE 呈正相关的氮水平影响了 N 同化酶的生长和活性。根据它们不同的根系、代谢活性和 NUE 谱，基因型 C17 和 C11 分别被确定为 N 效率和 N 低效。这项研究为气培条件下马铃薯基因型氮利用效率的生理和生化机制提供了新的见解，为育种计划、优化肥料管理和栽培策略提供了潜在目标，以改善缺氮条件下的作物性能。 采用多组学方法的未来研究将阐明氮代谢中的关键基因和途径，可能为增强根结构和改善 NUE 提供途径。