Impact of micronutrients in mitigation of abiotic stresses in soils and plants—A progressive step toward crop security and nutritional quality

Abstract

Due to increasing incidences of abiotic stresses all over the world, the foremost objective to achieve crop security and nutritional quality for the global population is indeed a daunting task. Plants under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, salt stress, heat stress, nutrient stress, etc. compete for nutrients, therefore exaggerate the deleterious effects of nutrients deficiency. Globally, 5–35 percent of soils are deficient in different micronutrients, which further contribute toward nutrient deficiency in plants, human beings and animals. Optimization of micronutrient status in soil and plant system along with macronutrients, secondary nutrients and heavy metals have been evidenced to improve the resilience of the crops under such conditions, as these serve as key structural elements in numerous enzymes and co-enzymes. Additionally, these nutrients facilitate the stabilization of protein structures and suppress the production of reactive oxygen species. The absorption and accumulation of micronutrients in plants involve various mechanisms such as conversion to more soluble ionic forms followed by transportation through specific/non-specific transporters. The versatility of micronutrients application under severe environmental conditions has been evidenced through significant improvement in yield and quality traits of various crops. Lately, the uses of nano-micronutrients in agriculture have been exploited due to their distinct properties than their bulk counterparts. The uptake of nanoparticles involves either direct uptake followed by transportation through a particle delivery system or through encapsulation designed for timely release of nutrients. Abiotic stresses alter various metabolic processes in the plant system and thus pose the threat to the growth and yield parameters of plants. The development of various sensor-based techniques such as near Infrared reflectance spectroscopy for early detection and monitoring of abiotic stresses is essential for real-time crop management decisions. Further, the knowledge of nutrient interactions might be an effective strategy for nutrient management and biofortification of plants with particular nutrients. Thus, the present review highlights the mechanisms of micronutrients availability and absorption behavior with aid of different advanced technologies in the mitigation of different abiotic stresses and consequently improvement in crop productivity and nutritional quality, especially in climate-vulnerable countries.