The HKT1 Na⁺ transporter protects plant fertility by decreasing Na⁺ content in stamen filaments.

Abstract

Salinity stress can greatly reduce seed production because plants are especially sensitive to salt during their reproductive stage. Here, we show that the sodium ion transporter AtHKT1;1 is specifically expressed around the phloem and xylem of the stamen in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> to prevent a marked decrease in seed production caused by salt stress. The stamens of AtHKT1;1 mutant under salt stress overaccumulate Na⁺, limiting their elongation and resulting in male sterility. Specifically restricting <i>AtHKT1;1</i> expression to the phloem leads to a 1.5-fold increase in the seed yield upon sodium ion stress. Expanding phloem expression of AtHKT1;1 throughout the entire plant is a promising strategy for increasing plant productivity under salinity stress.