Gene Expression Markers as Early Indicators of Nitrogen (n) Deficiency

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method for the early detection of nitrogen (N) deficiency in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by monitoring the expression levels of specific gene markers. By measuring changes in at least two out of a defined set of marker genes—particularly at least one of ELIP1 (BnaA01g24440D) or DRL1 (BnaC01g03140D)—the approach identifies N deficiency before visible symptoms, such as leaf discoloration, appear. The detection utilizes gene expression profiling methods such as PCR or microarrays on plant tissue samples, enabling precise and early intervention for optimal fertilization.

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• Early monitoring of nitrogen status in rapeseed crops by agricultural producers or agronomists.
• Development of diagnostic test kits or services for rapeseed farmers to optimize fertilizer use.
• Integration into precision agriculture systems for automated monitoring of crop nutrient status.
• Extension of the method to other crops by identifying equivalent gene markers for early nutrient deficiency detection.
• Supporting research into plant nutrient management and breeding programs for nitrogen-efficient varieties.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows earlier detection of nitrogen deficiency, up to 10 days before visible symptoms develop, enabling timely corrective action.
• Improves nitrogen use efficiency by optimizing fertilizer application, reducing both economic costs and environmental impact (e.g., nitrate leaching).
• Provides more precise and physiological assessment of plant nitrogen needs compared to traditional or remote sensing methods.
• Applicable across rapeseed cultivars and a variety of growing conditions (field, greenhouse, hydroponic).
• Can facilitate the development of non-invasive, rapid, or even automated diagnostic tools for farm-scale deployment.
• Supports sustainable agriculture by reducing risk of over- or under-fertilization.

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Patent Abstract

Subject matter of the present invention is a method for early determination of nitrogen (N) deficiency in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by using the gene expression of at least two marker genes of a set of marker genes, wherein said set comprises the Brassica napus expression marker genes BnaC03g77120D, BnaA02g27980D, BnaA03g40690D, BnaA06g37010D, BnaA06g22900D, BnaA03g40160D, BnaC07g37670D, BnaC05g14940D, BnaA09g04420D, BnaC01g35070D, BnaA02g32390D, BnaA07g29070D, BnaC01g14360D, BnaA09g28910D, BnaC07g41470D, BnaC06g30680D, BnaA02g02940D, BnaA03g48610D, BnaA01g24440D and BnaC01g03140Dwherein at least one of the two marker genes BnaA01g24440D (ELIP1) or BnaC01g03140D (DRL1) has to be used.