Scientists discovered that a plant hormone called brassinosteroid helps rice plants absorb nutrients more efficiently when soil is lacking phosphorus, an essential nutrient for growth. Over three years, researchers tested two types of rice plants and found that the variety naturally better at handling poor soil had higher levels of this hormone in its roots. When they added the hormone to other rice plants, it improved their ability to absorb phosphorus and produce more grain. The improvement happened because the hormone strengthened the roots and changed the soil around them in ways that made nutrients more available. This discovery could help farmers grow better crops in nutrient-poor soils.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a plant hormone called brassinosteroid helps rice plants use phosphorus (a nutrient in soil) more effectively when phosphorus is scarce
- Who participated: Two different varieties of rice plants grown in pots with low-phosphorus soil over three growing seasons. One rice variety was naturally good at handling poor soil; the other was not
- Key finding: Rice plants with higher levels of the brassinosteroid hormone absorbed phosphorus better and produced more grain, especially in poor soil. Adding the hormone to plants improved their performance, while blocking the hormone made it worse
- What it means for you: This research suggests that boosting this natural plant hormone could help farmers grow rice in soils that lack phosphorus, potentially increasing food production in areas with poor-quality farmland. However, this is early-stage research, and real-world applications would need further testing
The Research Details
Scientists conducted two separate experiments over three years using rice plants grown in pots filled with soil that had very low phosphorus levels. In the first experiment, they compared two rice varieties—one naturally tolerant of poor soil and one that struggled—grown with and without adequate phosphorus. In the second experiment, they treated plant roots with either extra brassinosteroid hormone, a chemical that blocks the hormone, or plain water as a control, again testing both low and normal phosphorus conditions. They measured many things including grain production, root growth, nutrient absorption, and even the types of bacteria living in the soil around the roots.
Understanding how plants naturally handle nutrient-poor soil is important because many farmers worldwide grow crops in soils lacking essential nutrients. By identifying the specific hormone and mechanisms involved, scientists can potentially develop ways to help plants thrive in these challenging conditions without expensive fertilizers. This approach looks at the whole system—the plant roots, the soil, and even the helpful bacteria in the soil—rather than just one piece
This research was conducted over multiple years with controlled experiments, which strengthens the findings. The scientists tested their ideas in two different ways—by comparing natural plant varieties and by directly adding or removing the hormone—which helps confirm their conclusions. However, the studies were done in pots with controlled conditions, so results in real farm fields might differ. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication
What the Results Show
The rice variety that naturally handled poor soil well maintained higher levels of brassinosteroid hormone in its roots compared to the variety that struggled. When soil lacked phosphorus, both varieties showed decreased hormone levels, but the tolerant variety’s decrease was smaller. This natural advantage translated to better grain production and more efficient nutrient use, especially in the early growing stages before flowering. When scientists directly added brassinosteroid hormone to rice plants growing in poor soil, the plants showed significant improvements in root growth, nutrient absorption, and grain yield. The hormone activated specific genes related to nutrient uptake and strengthened the roots’ ability to extract phosphorus from the soil. Conversely, when they blocked the hormone’s production, plants performed worse, confirming that brassinosteroid plays a crucial role in this process.
The research revealed that brassinosteroid works by improving multiple root characteristics simultaneously. Plants with more of this hormone developed longer, more active roots and released more of a compound called malate that helps dissolve phosphorus in soil. Additionally, the hormone increased the presence of beneficial bacteria called Massilia in the soil around the roots. These bacteria help break down and release phosphorus that would otherwise be unavailable to plants. The hormone also increased copies of genes related to phosphorus solubilization, essentially giving the plant’s root system better tools to access locked-up nutrients
Previous research showed that brassinosteroids regulate nutrient uptake in plants, but this study is among the first to clearly demonstrate how this hormone specifically helps plants cope with phosphorus deficiency. Earlier work focused mainly on what happens inside the plant; this research uniquely examines the partnership between the plant’s roots, the surrounding soil, and beneficial microorganisms. The findings align with growing scientific understanding that plant success depends not just on the plant itself but on the entire root-soil ecosystem
The experiments were conducted in controlled pot conditions, not in actual farm fields where weather, soil variation, and other factors could affect results differently. The study focused on rice specifically, so findings may not apply equally to other crops. The research doesn’t yet show whether these improvements would be economically practical for farmers to implement. Additionally, while the study identified that the hormone works through multiple pathways, more research is needed to fully understand all the mechanisms involved and whether the benefits would persist over multiple growing seasons in field conditions
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, there is moderate evidence that brassinosteroid hormones could potentially help rice plants grow better in phosphorus-poor soils. However, this is preliminary research, and practical applications for farmers are not yet available. Anyone interested in this approach should wait for additional field-based studies and consult with agricultural experts before making farming decisions. The research suggests this could be a promising direction for future agricultural development
Farmers in regions with phosphorus-poor soils, agricultural scientists, and plant breeders should find this research interesting. Developing countries with limited access to expensive fertilizers might particularly benefit from such discoveries. However, home gardeners and consumers should not expect immediate practical applications. Agricultural companies might use this research to develop new products, but such products would need extensive testing before becoming available
If this research leads to practical applications, it would likely take several years of additional field testing before farmers could use new treatments. Any benefits would typically appear within a single growing season if the treatment works, but long-term effects over multiple years would need separate study. Realistic expectations are that this is foundational research that may eventually contribute to solutions, rather than an immediate fix for nutrient-poor soils
Want to Apply This Research?
- Users could track soil phosphorus levels in their gardens or small farms using affordable soil test kits, recording results monthly during growing season. This would help identify whether phosphorus deficiency is actually a problem before considering any interventions
- For those interested in experimenting with this research, users could start by testing their soil phosphorus levels, then document plant growth metrics (height, leaf color, yield) over a season. If future products based on this research become available, users could compare treated and untreated plants side-by-side in their own gardens
- Long-term tracking could involve annual soil testing combined with crop yield records. Users could photograph plants at regular intervals and maintain notes on growth stages, helping identify whether any future treatments based on this research provide consistent benefits across multiple seasons
This research describes laboratory and controlled pot experiments with rice plants and is not yet proven in real-world farm conditions. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to make agricultural decisions without consulting qualified agricultural experts. Any future products or treatments based on this research would require extensive field testing and regulatory approval before use. Farmers should continue following established best practices for soil management and phosphorus application. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical or agricultural advice. Consult with local agricultural extension services or agronomists before implementing any changes to farming practices.