The molecular–physiological functions of mineral macronutrients and their consequences for deficiency symptoms in plants

Abstract

Summary The visual deficiency symptoms developing on plants constitute the ultimate manifestation of suboptimal nutrient supply. In classical plant nutrition, these symptoms have been extensively used as a tool to characterise the nutritional status of plants and to optimise fertilisation. Here we expand this concept by bridging the typical deficiency symptoms for each of the six essential macronutrients to their molecular and physiological functionalities in higher plants. We focus on the most recent insights obtained during the last decade, which now allow us to better understand the links between symptom and function for each element. A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the visual deficiency symptoms enables us to thoroughly understand how plants react to nutrient limitations and how these disturbances may affect the productivity and biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems. A proper interpretation of visual deficiency symptoms will support the potential for sustainable crop intensification through the development of new technologies that facilitate automatised management practices based on imaging technologies, remote sensing and in‐field sensors, thereby providing the basis for timely application of nutrients via smart and more efficient fertilisation.

1,135 ionomes reveal the global pattern of leaf and seed mineral nutrient and trace element diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana

“…Much attention has been given to understanding the mechanisms that underlie the plastic responses that allow plants to respond to fluctuations in mineral nutrients over time, during their lifetimes (e.g. de Bang et al , 2020). Much less attention has been given to investigating the molecular basis of evolutionary adaptive genetic change driven by selection to a particular edaphic property (physical, chemical or biological property of soil) over many generations.…”

Transcriptome Analysis Unravels Key Factors Involved in Response to Potassium Deficiency and Feedback Regulation of K+ Uptake in Cotton Roots

“…Root cells could perceive external K + deficiency and generate initial K + signaling, and this K + signaling is subsequently transduced or encoded by Ca 2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensors, which then induce changes in signaling components, including phytohormones and transcription factors (TFs). Phytohormones and TFs then regulate the downstream (including K + channels and transporters) transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational responses, and finally, plants exert many morphological and physiological adaptive changes that assist survival under K + -deficiency stress [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Nutritional deficiency in scarlet eggplant limits its growth by modifying the absorption and use efficiency of macronutrients

“…These interactions can affect the processes of nutrient absorption and use and thus reflect in the mineral composition of crops, and consequently in its nutritional status, final production and quality [ 5 ]. Such deficiencies can cause nutritional imbalances, leading to the occurrence of deformities in organic tissues, reduced leaf area, limited growth and dry matter production [ 6 – 8 ]. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the mechanisms involved in scarlet eggplant nutrition, as well as the symptomatology caused by the deficiency of macronutrients in this species with high agronomic potential.…”

“…The symptoms and severity of nutritional deficiency in plants may vary due to several biological functions and interactions that occur between nutrients and the environment [ 9 ], thus reflecting in its growth. For instance, a plant that is deficient in K inhibits the biological functions of this nutrient in the plant, such as the activity of multiple enzymes, some of which are involved in the proteins synthesis [ 8 , 10 ]. This occurrence may hamper the metabolism of other nutrients, such as N, which plays an important role in relation to the increment of protein synthesis, but this function is in turn interrupted due to the low activity of enzymes involved in the assimilation of N [ 5 , 8 ].…”

“…For instance, a plant that is deficient in K inhibits the biological functions of this nutrient in the plant, such as the activity of multiple enzymes, some of which are involved in the proteins synthesis [ 8 , 10 ]. This occurrence may hamper the metabolism of other nutrients, such as N, which plays an important role in relation to the increment of protein synthesis, but this function is in turn interrupted due to the low activity of enzymes involved in the assimilation of N [ 5 , 8 ]. Therefore, even though the plant has an adequate supply of N via the nutrient solution, its metabolism could be impaired because of a lack of K, and the use efficiency of N will be low, increasing the biological damage in the organism [ 4 ].…”