The use of water retention agent in saline-alkali soil promotes the expression of nutrient transporter genes in wheat and increases grain yield

Salinity stress is a limiting factor for wheat production and food security. Water retention agent has been established as one soil conditioner to reduce soil water loss and improvement of the soil environment. In this study, we designed a new compound water retention agent (CWRA) and tried to explore the response of the wheat after application in saline-alkali soil. Wheat plants were exposed to gradient dosages (15 kg ha^-1, 30 kg ha^-1, 45 kg ha^-1) of CWRA, and a quantitative dosage (30 kg ha^-1) of attapulgite water retention agent (AWRA), to investigate their effects on the nutrient accumulation, nutrient transport-related genes and yield of winter wheat in saline-alkali soil. The moderate water retention agent use significantly up-regulated the relative expression levels of TaAMT1.1, TaGS1, and TaPHT2;1 in flag leaves and increased the accumulation of N, P, and K in the plants, which enhanced the ability to enhance seed filling, prolonged the reproductive period, and improved seed yield and water-use efficiency. The current results provide a theoretical and practical basis for the application of CWRA to saline-alkali soil planting, ensuring food security.