Review on Chlorophyll Metabolism in Rice under Nitrogen and Plant Density Regulation and Its Relationship with Photosynthesis and Yield Formation

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-8082.2026.06.004

Abstract

Abstract:

Chlorophyll serves as the material basis for photosynthesis in rice, and its content and dynamic changes act as an important physiological link between cultivation practices and yield formation. Nitrogen application rate and planting density are two agronomic factors regulating rice population structure, light-use efficiency, and yield establishment. This review systematically summarizes the metabolic regulatory mechanisms governing chlorophyll synthesis and degradation in rice. It highlights the physiological and ecological mechanisms by which nitrogen management directly modulates chlorophyll metabolism via nitrogen metabolic pathways, while planting density indirectly influences chlorophyll accumulation and degradation by altering field microenvironments of light and temperature. Furthermore, the paper elucidates the quantitative relationships between chlorophyll content and key agronomic traits, including photosynthetic performance, dry matter accumulation, yield components, and nitrogen use efficiency. It clarifies the physiological basis and technical pathways for optimizing nitrogen application regimes and planting densities—and thereby constructing high-yielding cultivation systems—based on chlorophyll-related physiological indicators. Additionally, this review synthesizes recent advances in the application of remote sensing technologies and crop models for precise nitrogen-density regulation and dynamic yield prediction in rice. Finally, considering current research gaps, we propose future screening strategies for chlorophyll-related traits in breeding programs aimed at high yield and efficiency, and outline the developmental trajectory of smart rice cultivation technologies. This work aims to provide theoretical support and technical references for establishing sustainable rice cultivation models characterized by “reduced nitrogen input, optimized dense planting, enhanced stress resilience, and high productivity.”

Key words: rice, chlorophyll metabolism, nitrogen application rate, planting density, yield formation, smart rice cultivation

摘要：

叶绿素是水稻光合作用的物质基础，其含量及动态变化是衔接栽培调控与产量形成的重要生理纽带。施氮量与种植密度是调控水稻群体结构、光能利用效率及产量建成的两大栽培要素。本文系统综述水稻叶绿素合成与降解的代谢调控机制，重点阐释施氮管理通过氮代谢通路直接调控叶绿素代谢、种植密度通过改变田间光温微环境间接影响叶绿素积累与降解的生理生态机制；梳理叶绿素含量与水稻光合性能、干物质积累、产量构成及氮素利用效率的量化关联；阐明以叶绿素生理指标为依据优化施氮模式与种植密度、构建高产栽培体系的生理基础与技术路径。同时，本文总结遥感技术与作物模型在水稻氮密精准调控、产量动态预测中的应用研究进展，并结合当前研究现状，展望叶绿素相关性状在水稻高产高效育种中的筛选策略及智慧稻作技术的未来发展方向，以期为水稻“减氮、增密、抗逆、高产”可持续栽培模式构建提供理论支撑与技术参考。

关键词: 水稻, 叶绿素代谢, 施氮量, 种植密度, 产量形成, 智慧稻作

CLC Number:

S511.04

XU Qian, LIU Dantong, WU Wanting, ZHU Changjin, LI Guohui, XU Ke. Review on Chlorophyll Metabolism in Rice under Nitrogen and Plant Density Regulation and Its Relationship with Photosynthesis and Yield Formation[J]. China Rice, 2026, 32(6): 19-28.

徐倩, 刘丹彤, 吴婉婷, 朱昌进, 李国辉, 许轲. 氮密调控下水稻叶绿素代谢及其与光合作用、产量形成的关联研究综述[J]. 中国稻米, 2026, 32(6): 19-28.

Figures/Tables 2

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