Plant Ion and Water Regulation

We study the molecular mechanisms that regulate ion transport (chloride and nitrate) in plants, its effect on plant nutrition and in the resistance to water deficit and salinity. In the agronomic context, chloride has traditionally been considered a toxic anion for agriculture due to its effect under salinity conditions and for impairing nitrogen nutrition by being a competitor for nitrate transport. On the contrary, the results of our Group have allowed chloride to be classified as a beneficial macronutrient, due to its role in improving the efficiency in the use of water, N and C, essential components of plant nutrition. Homeostatic control of Chloride is meticulously regulated by plants through factors such as development, nitrate availability and environmental stress. We are transferring this knowledge to improve the resistance to drought and salinity of crops, and to reduce the use of Nitrate in agriculture.