IIT Guwahati develops new technology to enhance crop yields

Guwahati: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative, cost-effective microfluidic system to study nutrient absorption in plant roots. Led by Prof. Pranab Kumar Mondal from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Agro and Rural Technology, the team designed a system that replicates soil-like conditions, allowing for precise analysis of nutrient flow and root behavior.

The study, published in the prestigious journal Lab on a Chip and featured as the cover art for an upcoming issue, focuses on the primary root of the mustard variety Pusa Jai Kisan. This variety, known for its effective root diameter, was used to explore how different nutrient flow conditions affect root growth and nitrogen uptake during critical post-germination stages. The research was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB/ANRF), Government of India.

Microfluidics, the study of fluid flow in micrometer-sized structures, has previously been used in various biological studies but rarely for real-time analysis of plant root dynamics. Prof. Mondal’s team sought to fill this gap by examining how mechanical stimuli from nutrient flow influence root growth and thigmomorphogenesis—the response of plants to mechanical stress.

The researchers discovered that optimizing nutrient flow rates could enhance root length and nitrogen uptake. They found that while increasing the nutrient medium's flow rate initially boosted these factors, excessive flow induced stress and reduced root length. Roots exposed to controlled flow conditions outperformed those in no-flow conditions, demonstrating superior nitrogen absorption and growth.

“This study offers new insights into plant root dynamics using microfluidic devices,” said Prof. Mondal. “Our findings could have practical applications in agriculture, particularly in optimizing nutrient delivery systems.”

Looking forward, the team aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind these observations, potentially leading to advancements in hydroponic systems and soil-less crop production.