Strategies for Increasing Zinc Uptake Efficiency in Plants
摘要
Zinc (Zn) is a pivotal micronutrient for both plants and animals and plays an important role in diverse biochemical and physiological processes. In plants, Zn acts as a crucial co-factor for various enzymes and is essential for cellular functions, growth, development, and overall yield. Zn deficiency, which is common worldwide, leads to reduced crop yields, poor produce quality, and malnutrition in humans and animals. Thus, keeping these problems in mind, we compiled recent advancements and strategies to enhance Zn uptake efficiency in plants and underscores the significance of Zn as a micronutrient in enzymatic and physiological processes. Additionally, we have summarized the current understanding of Zn absorption and transport in plants and described various strategies used to improve Zn utilization efficiency (ZUE) in plant systems. It covers approaches such as soil and fertilizer management, the use of both conventional and enhanced Zn sources, and rhizosphere management to leverage beneficial microbial interactions. The focus is on creating Zn-efficient crop genotypes through traditional breeding and advanced genetic engineering methods. Moreover, molecular techniques, including transgenic tools and molecular markers, have been explored to enhance ZUE. Thus, this chapter integrates insights from agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, and biotechnology, providing a holistic framework for tackling Zn deficiency, ensuring sustainable agriculture, and enhancing food security and human health.