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Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 36520

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Prof. Dr. Raul Antonio Sperotto

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Guest Editor

Life Sciences Area, Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Taquari Valley - Univates, Lajeado, RS, Brazil
Interests: molecular biology; genetics and plant physiology; biotechnology; micronutrient homeostasis; plant responses to environmental stresses

Prof. Dr. Felipe Klein Ricachenevsky

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Guest Editor

Botany Department, Institute of Biosciences; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Biotechnology; Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Interests: molecular biology; genetics and plant physiology; micronutrient homeostasis in model plants; characterization of new metal transporters; crops wild relatives
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Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Micronutrients are essential for the growth and development of plants, since they participate in several vital processes. Micronutrient deficiencies lead to poor quality and decreased yield in crops, while micronutrient overload can damage plants by a variety of mechanisms, including the induction of cell death. Therefore, micronutrient homeostasis in the whole organism, as well as in individual cells, must be closely regulated in plants. To maintain adequate levels, plants have evolved complex regulatory mechanisms to modulate uptake, transport, storage, and remobilization of these micronutrients. Even though several studies have shed some light on the molecular mechanisms that control micronutrient homeostasis (especially for Fe and Zn), we still need a better understanding of the basic processes in order to manipulate transport and accumulation of micronutrients inside specific organs, tissues, and cells.

We believe that continued communication on this topic amongst plant scientists is critical to improve our understanding of how plants sense and deal with micronutrient fluctuations, and to further use this knowledge in genetic improvement. The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality research articles addressing recent developments in the fields of plant ionomics, micronutrient homeostasis (uptake, transport, partitioning, accumulation, remobilization), and biofortification. We invite researchers from around the world at the frontiers of these fields to contribute their innovative research findings to this collection, including original research articles, review articles, and short communications.

Prof. Dr. Raul Antonio Sperotto
Prof. Felipe Klein Ricachenevsky
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Micronutrient deficiency
Micronutrient overload
Micronutrient homeostasis
Uptake
Transport
Accumulation
Compartmentalization
Remobilization
Partitioning
Biofortification
Ionomics
Long-distance transport
Source and sink strength
Xylem and phloem loading

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Zinc Fertilization on Grain Cadmium Accumulation, Gene Expression, and Essential Mineral Partitioning in Rice

by Michael Tavarez, Michael A. Grusak and Renuka P. Sankaran

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092182 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2216

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe health issues if ingested. Certain varieties of rice can accumulate high levels of the metal in edible tissues thereby transferring the toxin into the food chain. As chemical analogs, interactions between the essential mineral zinc and the toxic heavy metal cadmium play an important role in regulating the transport of both minerals to rice grains. Understanding these interactions is crucial for limiting cadmium and increasing zinc transfer to the food chain. Previous studies have reported conflicting results suggesting synergistic and antagonistic relationships between the minerals. The goal of this work was to identify the effect of external cadmium and zinc on the uptake and translocation of both minerals from roots to grains of rice that differ in grain cadmium concentrations. The results showed that a higher input of external zinc increased cadmium translocation and accumulation to the grain in two of three varieties, while external cadmium does not influence zinc accumulation. Cadmium synergy and antagonism with other essential minerals were also examined and the effects differed between rice lines. Our results showed that the differential expression of the transport proteins OsNramp5, OsHMA2, and OsHMA3 as well as genes involved in the synthesis of glutathione and phytochelatin could have contributed to differences in grain Cd accumulation. These results add to the knowledge of cadmium and zinc partitioning in one of the most consumed plant foods in the world and can assist fortification efforts to establish rice lines that are both safe and nutritious. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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19 pages, 3001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Nitrogen and Zinc Application at Different Growth Stages on Yield, Grain Zinc, and Nitrogen Concentration in Rice

by Patcharin Tuiwong, Sithisavet Lordkaew, Jeeraporn Veeradittakit, Sansanee Jamjod and Chanakan Prom-u-thai

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092093 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3099

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element involved in human metabolism, which can be supplied by an appropriate diet. Enhancing Zn enrichment in rice grains through agronomic biofortification is advocated as an immediate and effective approach to combat micronutrient malnutrition in hu-man. It has been well-documented that high grain Zn accumulation in rice can be achieved by Zn fertilizers management. This study evaluated the effects of foliar nitrogen (N) and Zn applied at the flowering and milky stages of brown rice plants with and without soil Zn application. A glasshouse pot experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four replicates. Soil Zn in the form of ZnSO₄ was applied at 0 and 50 kg ha⁻¹. Foliar fertilizer of 1% urea along with 0.5% ZnSO₄ was applied and assigned as (1) nil foliar N and Zn (N0Zn0), (2) foliar N with nil Zn (N+Zn0), (3) nil foliar N with foliar Zn (N0Zn+), and (4) foliar N and Zn (N+Zn+) at flowering and milky stages. Foliar application of N and Zn increased grain yield and yield components in both soil Zn conditions. Grain Zn concentration in brown rice was the highest when foliar N and Zn were applied under nil soil Zn conditions; however, grain N concentration decreased by 13.1–28.5% with foliar application at flowering and 18.8–28.5% with application at the milky stage. The grain Zn content was increased by foliar application of N0Zn+ and N+Zn+ at flowering and milky stages. Applying foliar N and Zn at flowering or milky stages tended to increase the grain N content when Zn was applied to the soil, while nil soil Zn decreased the N content by 26.8% at flowering and milky stages under N0Zn+. The results suggest that the milky stage is the most suitable for foliar application of Zn for increasing (i) grain yield and (ii) N and Zn concentrations in brown rice without having a dilution effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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21 pages, 8655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Calcium, Potassium, and Boron Application on the Growth and Yield Characteristics of Durum Wheat under Drought Conditions

by Nosheen Akhtar, Noshin Ilyas, Muhammad Arshad, Tehseen Ahmad Meraj, Daniel Ingo Hefft, Basit Latief Jan and Parvaiz Ahmad

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081917 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4059

Abstract

Water stress affects the growth, development, and yield of crops. The objective of this study is to evaluate the positive effects of nutrients (calcium, potassium, and boron) on durum wheat facing drought stress. Two treatments of calcium, potassium, and boron were used under drought and well-watered conditions on two varieties of durum wheat (V1—Preco; V2—Kronos). The data depict that the exogenous application of these nutrients gave significantly different (p < 0.05) results. The percentage increase in shoot length and root length was 29% and 35% compared to the untreated, drought-facing plants. There is also an increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and osmolytes. The foliar spray of nutrients enhances the synthesis of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, which reduce the production of free radicals. It also helps to maintain the stability of membranes and other cell organelles. The spray application enhances the yield of durum wheat, i.e., the percentage increase in the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight was 23% and 25% compared to the untreated, drought-facing plants. The use of these nutrients considerably improves the functioning of antioxidant machinery, helping combat the adverse effects of drought. Additionally, they improve the growth- and yield-related parameters. Hence, these sprays can be used as a plant growth regulator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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11 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balanced Use of Zn, Cu, Fe, and B Improves the Yield and Sucrose Contents of Sugarcane Juice Cultivated in Sandy Clay Loam Soil

by Abdul Majeed, Imran Rashid, Abid Niaz, Allah Ditta, Aysha Sameen, Asma A. Al-Huqail and Manzer H. Siddiqui

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030696 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3764

Abstract

Balanced use of micronutrients in soils is essential for optimized nutrient use efficiency, environmental conservation and long-term sustainability of agro-ecological systems. As a result, maintaining correct micronutrient levels in the soil is essential not only to meet plant needs and maintain agricultural productivity but also to avoid nutrient build-up. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of micronutrient application on the yield and sucrose content expressed as the polarization of sugar cane juice (POL%) under field conditions. There were seven treatments, viz. T₀ = No micronutrient application (control); T₁ = ZnSO₄ at the rate of 30 kg ha⁻¹; T₂ = CuSO₄ at the rate of 10 kg ha⁻¹; T₃ = FeSO₄ at the rate of 30 kg ha⁻¹; T₄ = borax at the rate of 2 kg ha⁻¹; T₅ = half dose of ZnSO₄, CuSO₄, FeSO₄ and borax at the rate of 15, 5, 15 and 1 kg ha⁻¹ and T₆ = full dose of ZnSO₄, CuSO₄, FeSO₄ and borax at the rate of 30, 10, 30 and 2 kg ha⁻¹, arranged in randomized complete block design in triplicate. With the application of ZnSO₄ at 30 kg ha⁻¹ along with recommended doses of NPK, 30% more income was generated as compared with the control. Fist plant and ratoon crop yields were 19.08% and 22.03% higher, respectively, than in the control. Similarly, Zn application resulted in 5.91% and 8.64% greater sucrose contents (POL%) in plant and ratoon crops, respectively, when compared with the control. The application of ZnSO₄ at the rate of 30 kg ha⁻¹ along with recommended doses of NPK had a significant impact on the yield and sucrose contents of sugarcane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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11 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Salicylic Acid Foliar Application on Two Wheat Cultivars Grown under Zinc Stress

by Ewa Stanislawska-Glubiak and Jolanta Korzeniowska

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010060 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3016

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on alleviating Zn stress in young wheat plants. Two rigorous pot experiments were conducted with two spring wheat cultivars growing on soil artificially contaminated with Zn. The experimental design included three levels of soil contamination with Zn: 0, 300 and 700 mg kg⁻¹, and three levels of SA concentration: 0, 0.5 and 1 mM. Foliar spray of SA was applied twice at an interval of two weeks. Wheat biomass was harvested two months after plant emergence. Both cultivars showed similar biomass reduction due to Zn phytotoxicity, but differed in the accumulation and distribution of this metal in the plant. The positive effect of SA foliar application was obtained only for one of the two tested cultivars, where a reduction in the Zn translocation from the roots to the aboveground part was observed. As a consequence, the decrease in biomass caused by the toxicity of Zn was limited. A greater positive effect of SA application on wheat biomass was observed at 700 than at 300 mg kg⁻¹ Zn in soil. The different responses of the cultivars to the SA was probably related to their different defense mechanisms against Zn stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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10 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antioxidant Properties and Biological Quality of Radish Seedlings Biofortified with Iodine

by Anna Krzepiłko, Agata Święciło and Iwona Zych-Wężyk

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102011 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2596

Abstract

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans, and iodine deficiency is a significant health problem. In this study, an improved method for iodine biofortification based on seed germination was established. Solutions of KI (0.15, 0.30, 0.75 and 1.5 mg∙g⁻¹ of seeds) were applied to germinating radish seeds of two cultivars Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus: Warta and Zlata. Compared with the control (seeds treated with water) the iodine content (in the radish sprouts produced by germinating seeds treated with KI were approximately 112.9–2730 times higher. The application KI rates did not adversely affect the biological quality of the radish sprouts. Regarding the biological quality of the iodine-enriched seedlings, we determined their length, dry mater, protein, soluble sugars, chlorophylls, total phenol, ascorbic acid, thiol group content and total antioxidant capacity. The effect of potassium iodide on the selected parameters of their biological quality varied depending on the KI doses and radish cultivars. The results showed that the most appropriate biofortification application rates were 0.15 and 0.30 mg KI per g seeds, because the enriched seedlings had excellent biological quality parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

12 pages, 2060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dynamics of Selenium Uptake by Maize (Zea mays L.)

by Aldona Płaczek and Barbara Patorczyk-Pytlik

Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071305 - 27 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2646

Abstract

The dynamics of selenium (Se) uptake by two maize varieties (Zea mays L.) were assessed under two selenium doses (0.1 and 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ of soil) applied to the soil. The addition of Se increased the biomass yield of the Se-susceptible variety (Bielik), while significantly decreasing the yield of the Se-resistant variety (Lober), and this suppression was stronger at the higher Se dose. The content and uptake of selenium by maize also increased with the Se dose, and the Bielik variety proved to be more effective. In terms of crop quality for animal nutrition, the optimal Se content (330–365 µg kg⁻¹) was reached after 81 days of vegetation under the lower Se dose only, while the higher treatment led to excessive Se accumulation in maize biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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Review

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21 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Efficacy of Micronutrient Fertilizers on the Yield Formulation and Quality of Wheat Grains

by Francess Sia Saquee, Simbo Diakite, Nyasha John Kavhiza, Elena Pakina and Meisam Zargar

Agronomy 2023, 13(2), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020566 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7168

Abstract

Under the changing climatic conditions, one of the most pressing issues in wheat production is the improvement of the yield quality, the lack of which has a negative impact on animal and human health. More than 25% of the world’s population are affected by micronutrient deficiencies in food products, a problem which is known as hidden hunger. Thus, effective micronutrient management is crucial for improving both the quantity and quality of wheat production by increasing the plant’s ability to tolerate various environmental stresses and diseases. In this review, previous works were assessed to investigate the significance of micronutrient fertilizers and their interaction effects on the wheat grain yield and quality, including high-quality and nutritionally rich products. The application of micronutrients mixed with macronutrients significantly increases plant growth, physiological traits, yield components, the grain yield, and the quality traits. Among the types of applications, the foliar application of nutrients is very profitable due to its efficiency in terms of economics, ecology, and the qualitative and quantitative yield. In short, in-depth studies are needed to determine the best concentrations, forms, and times of application of micro-fertilizers to the wheat field and to mitigate the challenges of the increasing wheat demand due to steadily rising world population growth and reducing the rates of nutritional deficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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29 pages, 1711 KiB

Open AccessReview

Throwing Copper Around: How Plants Control Uptake, Distribution, and Accumulation of Copper

by Andriele Wairich, Lessandro De Conti, Thainá I. Lamb, Rosana Keil, Leonardo O. Neves, Gustavo Brunetto, Raul A. Sperotto and Felipe K. Ricachenevsky

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12050994 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6298

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is essential to plants but can also be harmful due to Fenton chemistry. Because of that, it is necessary to keep Cu within a narrow concentration limit. Plants evolved mechanisms to sense Cu and precisely regulate uptake and accumulation to avoid both deficiency and toxicity. However, plants experience variable Cu levels in soils, both due to natural environments as well as human’s-based farming practices that can lead to Cu accumulation in soils. Therefore, we need to understand Cu homeostasis. Here, we review how Cu is found in soils; Cu toxicity responses in plants; the role of Cu transporters, described mainly in model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa; the crosstalk between Cu and iron (Fe) homeostasis; Cu hyperaccumulator plants; and discuss some gaps and future directions, which can improve our understanding in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrient Homeostasis and Biofortification in Plants)

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