Micronutrient homeostasis in plants for more sustainable agriculture and healthier human nutrition

Abstract

To provide sustainable, sufficient, and nutritious food to a growing population is a major challenge for agriculture and the plant research community. In this respect the mineral micronutrient content of food crops deserves particular attention. Micronutrient deficiencies in cultivated soils and plants are a global problem which adversely affects crop production, plant nutritional value as well as human health and well-being. In this review, we call for awareness on the importance and relevance of micronutrients in crop production and quality. We stress the need for better nutrition in human populations with micronutrients, not only in developing but also in developed nations, and describe strategies to identify and characterize new varieties with high micronutrient content. Furthermore, we explain how an adequate nutrition of plants with micronutrients impacts metabolic functions and the capacity of plants to express tolerance mechanisms against abiotic and biotic constraints. Finally, a brief overview and a critical discussion on the current knowledge, future challenges and specific technological needs for the research on plant micronutrient homeostasis are provided. Research in this area is expected to foster the sustainable development of nutritious and healthy food crops for human consumption.

Age Dependent Partitioning Patterns of Essential Nutrients Induced by Copper Feeding Status in Leaves and Stems of Poplar

“…This demand can vary greatly along the axis of the shoot and differ depending on the nutrient, organ, and developmental stage under consideration ( Siebrecht et al, 2003 ). Recently, Assunção et al (2022) argued that a better understanding of nutrient interactions and partitioning within the plant should facilitate efforts to improve agricultural sustainability as well as nutritional quality of agricultural products, especially in areas with soil micronutrient deficiencies.…”

Impact of polyploidy on plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses

“…Calcium is also fundamental for cell wall stability, ion homeostasis, the activity of different enzymes, and as a secondary messenger in numerous signaling pathways, among other biological functions ( Thor, 2019 ). As well as for macronutrients, an adequate supply of micronutrients such as iron, copper, manganese, zinc, nickel and molybdenum is necessary for the functioning of key metabolic enzymes and redox systems, while others like boron are important for cell wall synthesis, pollen tube elongation and carbohydrate transport ( Assunção et al, 2022 ). If left unattended, soil deficiencies in any of these and other nutrients can have a severe impact on agricultural productivity and on the nutritious quality of foods.…”

“…If left unattended, soil deficiencies in any of these and other nutrients can have a severe impact on agricultural productivity and on the nutritious quality of foods. On the other hand, mineral excess, particularly of micronutrients, may lead to the development of toxicity symptoms, which in turn negatively affects plant growth and yield ( Assunção et al, 2022 ). Mineral nutrient acquisition is directly dependent on the demand of the plant (which is conditioned by the growth rate and the internal concentration of the nutrient) and water availability.…”

The F-bZIP-regulated Zn deficiency response in land plants

“…Zn deficient soils and Zn deficient crops have a global impact on human nutrition, with one-third of the world's human population at high risk of Zn malnutrition, in particular in developing regions with cereal crop-based diets from Zndeficient soils (Wessells and Brown 2012). Considering a foreseeable increase in plant-based diets, micronutrient deficiencies, including Zn deficiency, might also become a concern in more developed regions (Assunção et al 2022). In humans, Zn deficiency has a negative effect on infant mortality and growth, cognitive development and the immune system, with Zn being important for the functionality of the immune response (Prasad 2013).…”

“…In humans, Zn deficiency has a negative effect on infant mortality and growth, cognitive development and the immune system, with Zn being important for the functionality of the immune response (Prasad 2013). Therefore, strategies to improve the Zn nutritional value of crops through biofortification, and also increasing awareness for the importance of micronutrients in crop production and quality, can contribute to tackling the global Zn deficiency problem (Bouis and Saltzman 2017;Assunção et al 2022).…”