UoH scientists have discovered how tomato plants can use phosphate more efficiently

Scientists at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have discovered an important molecular mechanism that helps tomato plants transport and reuse phosphate, a nutrient essential for healthy growth.

The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, was conducted by Abhishek Roychowdhury and others under the direction of Rahul Kumar, a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences.

Improving the ability of plants to use phosphate efficiently could benefit both farmers and the environment. The researchers discovered that a tomato gene called PAP26b plays a key role in moving stored phosphate from older leaves to younger parts of the plant, where it is needed for growth. When this gene was turned off, the young leaves and roots began to react as if the plant was deficient in phosphates, even when sufficient nutrients were available.

the findings also reveal how plants manage phosphate differently in older and younger leaves.

Understanding this mechanism could lead to resilient crop varieties that use internal nutrient stores much more efficiently, reduce input costs for farmers and mitigate soil degradation caused by excessive fertilizer use, the researchers say.

Published – 06 Oct 2026 20:02 IST