Effects of a barley (Hordeum vulgare) chromosome 6 grain protein content locus on whole-plant nitrogen reallocation under two different fertilisation regimes

A large fraction of protein N harvested with crop seeds is derived from N remobilisation from senescing vegetative plant parts, while a smaller fraction stems from de novo N assimilation occurring after anthesis. This study contrasts near-isogenic barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm, varying in the allelic state of a major grain protein content (GPC) locus on chromosome 6. Plant material was grown under both low- and high-N fertilisation levels. The analyses indicated that leaf N remobilisation occurred earlier in high-GPC germplasm under both fertilisation regimes, as indicated by an earlier decrease of total leaf N, chlorophylls, soluble- and membrane-proteins. At the same time, kernel free amino acid levels were enhanced, while leaf free amino acid levels were lower in high-GPC barleys, suggesting enhanced retranslocation of organic N to the developing sinks. Enhanced or longer availability of leaf nitrates was detected in high-GPC varieties and lines, at least under high N fertilisation, indicating that the GPC locus profoundly influences whole-plant N allocation and management. Results presented here, together with data from a recent transcriptomic analysis, make a substantial contribution to our understanding of whole-plant N storage, remobilisation and retranslocation to developing sinks.