Study Reveals the Role of OsHAK9 in Regulating Seed Germination of Rice

Using CRISPR-Cas9, a study published in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology shows that the null mutants of OsGA2ox7 exhibit an increase in the seed germination ability of rice under salt stress. The findings of the study highlight the role of OsHAK9 in helping seeds germinate much better in salty environments.

Salt stress significantly affects rice growth and productivity, with 50% yield losses reported at low salinities. In this study, the researchers used MutMap to pinpoint the gene responsible for this issue. The study found that OsHAK9, an essential regulator responsible for seed germination under salt stress, controls the movement of potassium efflux in germinating seeds exposed to salt.

The researchers also found that OsHAK9 significantly influences the gibberellin 4 (GA₄) levels and improves the GA-deactivated gene OsGA2ox7 expression in germinating seeds under salt stress. Through the genetic editing of OsGA2ox7, the researchers observed that the mutants of OsGA2ox7 dramatically increased seed germination ability under salt stress.

For more information, read the article from the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology.