A role for the gibberellin pathway in biochar-mediated growth promotion

Biochar is a carbon negative soil amendment that can promote crop growth. However, the effects of biochar on different plant species and cultivars within a species are not well understood, nor is the underlying basis of biochar-mediated plant growth promotion. This knowledge is critical for optimal use of biochar and for breeding biochar-responsive plants. Here, we investigated the genotype-specific effects of biochar on two cultivars of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), and two wild relatives of tomato, Solanum pimpinellifolium, and Solanum pennelli, in two types of biochar. Biochar promoted shoot growth in all genotypes independent of biochar type but had genotype-dependent effects on other plant traits. Germination tests, exogenous GA(4) application and mutant analysis indicated a role for GA in biochar-mediated plant growth promotion. Together, our results suggest that biochar promotes growth partially through stimulation of the GA pathway.