Abstract
Phosphite (Phi)-containing products are marketed for their antifungal and nutritional value. Substantial evidence of the anti-fungal properties of Phi on a wide variety of plants has been documented. Although Phi is readily absorbed by plant leaves and/or roots, the plant response to Phi used as a phosphorus (P) source is variable. Negative effects of Phi on plant growth are commonly observed under P deficiency compared to near adequate plant P levels. Positive responses to Phi may be attributed to some level of fungal disease control. While only a few studies have provided evidence of Phi oxidation through cellular enzymes genetically controlled in plant cells, increasing evidence exists for the potential to manipulate plant genes to enhance oxidation of Phi to phosphate (Pi) in plants. Advances in genetic engineering to sustain growth and yield with Phi + Pi potentially provides a dual fertilization and weed control system. Further advances in genetic manipulation of plants to utilize Phi are warranted. Since Phi oxidation occurs slowly in soils, additional information is needed to characterize Phi oxidation kinetics under variable soil and environmental conditions.
Highlights
Phosphate (Pi) fertilizers are initially soluble in soils, H2PO4−/HPO42−adsorption and precipitation reactions can substantially reduce their availability to and recovery by crops
Because of significantly less complex and costly approval processes required for fertilizers compared to fungicides, many Phi-based products are often labeled as biostimulants or fertilizers, while they still maintain activity in suppressing fungal diseases [4]
There is substantial literature describing several mechanisms of plant disease control by Phi, less is known about Phi oxidation in plants to provide nutritional Pi
Summary
Phosphate (Pi) fertilizers are initially soluble in soils, H2PO4−/HPO42−. adsorption and precipitation reactions can substantially reduce their availability to and recovery by crops. Reduced phosphorus (P) compounds containing phosphite (Phi) have been investigated since the 1930s as potential sources to meet P requirements of crops [1,2]. Because these early results demonstrated that H2PO3−/HPO32− oxidation to plant available Pi was a slow process, few reduced P products were developed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pertinent scientific literature related to the use of Phi as a nutrient and/or fungicide source in plant production. As fertilizer industry marketing materials increasingly support Phi as a potential P source, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the Phi/Pi chemistry and reaction in soil, metabolism in plants, and use as a nutrient and fungicide source. Several research needs are suggested to enhance the future potential of Phi as a plant nutrient source
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