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Review
. 2021 Nov;28(11):6339-6351.
doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.096. Epub 2021 Jul 3.

Zinc nutrition and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis effects on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity

Abdul Saboor  1 , Muhammad Arif Ali  1 , Shabir Hussain  2 , Hesham A El Enshasy  3   4 , Sajjad Hussain  5 , Niaz Ahmed  1 , Abdul Gafur  6 , R Z Sayyed  7 , Shah Fahad  8 , Subhan Danish  1 , Rahul Datta  9
Affiliations
Review

Zinc nutrition and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis effects on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity

Abdul Saboor et al. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient required to enhance crop growth and yield. In the arid - semiarid region, Zn deficiency is expected due to alkaline calcareous soil. Contrarily, Zn toxicity is also becoming an environmental concern due to increasing anthropogenic activities (metal smelting, copper industry, etc.). Therefore, balanced Zn application is necessary to save resources and achieve optimum crop growth and yield. Most scientists suggest biological approaches to overcome the problem of Zn toxicity and deficiency. These biological approaches are mostly environment-friendly and cost-effective. In these biological approaches, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) symbiosis is becoming popular. It can provide tolerance to the host plant against Zn-induced stress. Inoculation of AMF helps in balance uptake of Zn and enhances the growth and yield of crops. On the other hand, maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop due to its multifarious uses. As maize is an effective host for mycorrhizae symbiosis, that's why this review was written to elaborate on the beneficial role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The review aimed to glance at the recent advances in the use of AMF to enhance nutrient uptake, especially Zn. It was also aimed to discuss the mechanism of AMF to overcome the toxic effect of Zn. We have also discussed the detailed mechanism and physiological improvement in the maize plant. In conclusion, AMF can play an imperative role in improving maize growth, yield, and balance uptake of Zn by alleviating Zn stress and mitigating its toxicity.

Keywords: Extraradical hyphae; Mycorrhizal colonization; Nutrient deficiency; Nutrient toxicity; Stunted growth; Symbiosis; Zinc.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Zinc deficiency and toxicity influence on plant physiological changes.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
AMF reduced Zn stress mechanism in maize plant schematic diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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