Current advances in zinc in soils and plants: implications for zinc efficiency and biofortification studies

Publication date: 17/02/2020
Extent: 18 pages

Contributions by: Gokhan Hacisalihoglu, Florida A&M University, USA; and Matthew W. Blair, Tennessee State University, USA

Chapter synopsis: Zinc (Zn) deficiency is one of the critical abiotic stress factors that often limits crop production, yield, and quality worldwide. It is estimated over one third of the global arable lands are affected by Zn deficiency and so there is a need for more Zn-efficient crops. This chapter critically examines the most recent research developments in soil and plant nutrition for Zn efficiency issues. The chapter identifies trends related to Zn deficiency stress, seed Zn accumulation, and Zn efficiency for sustainable crop production and global food security. Finally, the chapter describes putative mechanisms governing Zn uptake and Zn efficiency, natural diversity in these traits and the important knowledge gaps that remain in these areas.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0062.16