Linking the key physiological functions of essential micronutrients to their deficiency symptoms in plants

• Published in: The New phytologist Vol. 242; no. 3; pp. 881 - 902
• Main Authors: Lilay, Grmay Hailu, Thiébaut, Noémie, Mee, Dorine, Assunção, Ana G. L., Schjoerring, Jan Kofod, Husted, Søren, Persson, Daniel Pergament
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Biological fertilization; Breeding; Climatic conditions; cofactors; deficiency response; deficiency symptoms; Fertilization; functional properties; Genotypes; leaf symptoms; Micronutrients; Nutritional disorders; Physiological functions; physiological roles; Physiology; Programmes; Signs and symptoms; Sustainable development; Symptoms; trace elements; functional properties; leaf symptoms; trace elements; physiological roles; deficiency symptoms; deficiency response; cofactors
• ISSN: 0028-646X; 1469-8137
• DOI: 10.1111/nph.19645

Summary In this review, we untangle the physiological key functions of the essential micronutrients and link them to the deficiency responses in plants. Knowledge of these responses at the mechanistic level, and the resulting deficiency symptoms, have improved over the last decade and it appears timely to review recent insights for each of them. A proper understanding of the links between function and symptom is indispensable for an accurate and timely identification of nutritional disorders, thereby informing the design and development of sustainable fertilization strategies. Similarly, improved knowledge of the molecular and physiological functions of micronutrients will be important for breeding programmes aiming to develop new crop genotypes with improved nutrient‐use efficiency and resilience in the face of changing soil and climate conditions.