Ectopic Expression of AtCIPK23 Enhances Tolerance Against Low-K+ Stress in Transgenic Potato

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has a relatively high requirement for potassium (K+). In the face of the declining of potato yield and quality as a result of reduction of soil K+ content, it is necessary to determine how to improve the tolerance of potatoes to low-K+ stresses. The protein kinase AtCIPK23 is essential for K+ uptake, and its overexpression significantly enhances K+ uptake and tolerance to low-K+ in Arabidopsis. In this research, AtCIPK23 was transformed into an E3 potato cultivar successfully. In low-K+ conditions, the transgenic potato lines had lower levels of leaf chlorosis, higher K+ uptake rate, increased dry weight and K+ content. The non-transgenic lines displayed reduced stature while the transgenic lines exhibited sustained growth. These results indicate that ectopic expression of AtCIPK23 increases low-K+ tolerance in potato. This study demonstrated the potential use of the transgenic approach to increase potato production in low-K+ fields. © 2010 The Author(s).