Molecular physiological approach of plant borne phytosiderophore based iron deficiency stress mechanism (strategy II) for sustained rice productivity under high pH calcareous soils

Strategy II iron acquisition mechanism of graminaceous monocots release iron chelating mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs in response to Fe deficiency) which solubilize inorganic Fe III compounds by chelation to form Fe 3+ - MA. This Fe 3+ - MAs are passed through a highly specific transporter present in the root plasma membrane. The identification of over all plausive steps in the methionine to MAs biosynthetic pathways is identified. Further, notification of the key enzymes such as nicotianamine synthase (NAS) and/or nicotianamine aminotransferase (NAAT) paved the way for the development of transgenic rice plants with enriched DMA both in shoot and root of chlorotic plants. Therefore, it is established that the genetic engineering can transfer traits from plants adopted to adverse conditions to other crop plants for sustained productivity which will lead to a third green revolution by opening up new untapped areas for enhanced and sustained food production.