Lead researcher from The University of Western Australia, Dr Asad Prodhan said in order to adapt to the low-P environments, plants have evolved to function at a low concentration of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) the largest pool of organic P in leaf cells.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is an integral part of the protein-synthesising machinery in cell, rRNA accounts for 40 per cent of the total organic P in leaf cells.

The low concentration of rRNA reduces P demand and reduces the protein synthesis capacity, impacting the nitrogen, sulphur and micronutrient consumption.

This reduces leaf P requirement by at least 50% without compromising their photosynthetic performance.