Potato response to low nitrogen stress: analysis from gene differential expression, metabolites to rhizosphere microorganisms

Low nitrogen stress exerted a greater effect on Dongnong 310, indicating that this cultivar was more sensitive to nitrogen limitation. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in both cultivars were pre-dominantly enriched in plant-pathogen interactions, photosynthetic antenna proteins, and core photosynthesis pathways under low nitrogen stress. Metabolome pro-filing showed that the differential leaf metabolites were mainly associated with starch and sucrose metabolism. Under low nitrogen conditions, DXY accumulated higher levels of sucrose and other sugars than Dongnong 310. Metagenomic sequencing demonstrated significant shifts in rhizospheric microbial communities between the two cultivars. DXY-associated microbes secreted more citric acid, which mobilizes non-exchangeable soil potassium into plant-available forms and, in turn, promotes potato growth.