SAPK2 contributes to rice yield by modulating nitrogen metabolic processes under reproductive stage drought stress

BACKGROUND: The sucrose non-fermenting 1-related kinases 2 (SnRK2s) play important roles in osmotic stress responses in A. thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa L.). Osmotic stress/ABA–activated protein kinase 2 (SAPK2) is a member of SnRK2s subclass II in rice, but its function in rice yield under drought stress is unclear. RESULTS: Compared with wild-type (Oryza.Sativa L.spp.japonica, WT) plants, the sapk2 rice mutant lines were shorter and produced fewer grains per panicle, smaller grains and lower grain yield under reproductive stage drought stress (RDS). Subsequent analysis suggested that SAPK2 considerably influences the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents of rice grains. The examination of rice seedling growth and development under nutrient-deprived conditions (−N, −K, and − P) proved that SAPK2 can significantly affect rice seedling growth and root development in hydroponic cultures lacking N and K. Moreover, the NO(3)(−) influx rate and nitrate concentration analysis indicated that SAPK2 promotes nitrate uptake and assimilation by regulating nitrate-related transporters. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SAPK2 could enhance grain production by regulating nitrogen utilization efficiency under RDS. Our work provided insights to breeding drought tolerant rice with high nutrient uptake.