Zinc in Soil-Plant Continuum

This contributed volume covers the role of zinc in soil and plant systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing its total and bioavailable levels. The book presents the mechanisms of zinc uptake, translocation, and homeostasis in plants under both Zn-deficient and Zn-excess conditions. It also addresses a variety of agronomic, biotechnological, and microbial approaches for managing zinc nutrition in crops.

Plants have evolved intricate systems of transporters and regulatory mechanisms to obtain trace amounts of zinc, which is crucial for their growth and yield. Zinc homeostasis is essential for optimal crop performance, yet its availability in the environment varies significantly. While some regions of the world experience severe zinc deficiency, others face zinc toxicity. This poses a dual challenge: zinc deficiency in crops negatively impacts the nutrition of millions of people dependent on plant-based diets, while zinc toxicity can lead to e xcessive zinc accumulation in crops, posing health risks to humans. The book highlights significant advancements in improving zinc nutrition in crops, presenting cutting-edge research and strategies to address these challenges. It offers insights into the broader implications of zinc in agriculture and human nutrition, bridging the gap between plant health and public health.

This book is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and academicians. It is particularly relevant for those studying or working in the fields of crop nutrition, essential elements in plants, zinc deficiency and toxicity in soils, the role of zinc in human health, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

Part I: An overview of the zinc in soil and plant responses.- Chapter 1. Zinc in soils and the regulatory roles of soil properties.- Chapter 2. Physiological significance of zinc for plants, animals and humans.- Chapter 3. The mechanisms of uptake, translocation, and distribution of zinc in plants.- Chapter 4. Physiological, biochemical and molecular plant responses to zinc deficiency and excess.- Chapter 5. Molecular aspects of zinc homeostasis in plants: Zinc deficit and surplus conditions.- Part II: Strategies to regulate zinc levels in plants.- Chapter 6. Strategies for increasing zinc uptake efficiency in plants.- Chapter 7. Exploitation of microbes as a means for biofortification of zinc in crop plants.- Chapter 8. Breeding approaches and modern tools to fight zinc deficiency in plants.- Chapter 9. Agronomic approaches to zinc biofortification in soil and soilless crops.- Chapter 10. Understanding hyperaccumulation of zinc in plants.- Chapter 11. Microbes as tools for th e amelioration of zinc phytotoxicity.- Chapter 12. Brassinosteroids contribute to zinc stress tolerance: Dissecting the responses in crops.