A critical review of plant adaptation to environmental boron stress: Uptake, utilization, and interplay with other abiotic and biotic factors

Abstract

Boron (B) is an indispensable mineral nutrient for plants and is primarily taken up by roots mainly in the form of boric acid (H₃BO₃). Recently, research shows that B has a significant impact on plant growth and productivity due to its narrow range between deficiency and toxicity. Fertilization and other procedures to address B stress (deficiency and toxicity) in soils are generally expensive and time-consuming. Over the past 20 years, substantial studies have been conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying B acquisition and the molecular regulation of B stress in plants. In this review, we discuss the effects of B stress on plant growth, physiology, and biochemistry, and finding on enhancing plant tolerance from the perspective of plant B uptake, transport, and utilization. We also refer to recent results demonstrating the interactions among B and other biological and abiotic factors, including nitrogen, phosphorus, aluminum, and microorganisms. Finally, emerging trends in this field are discussed.

Keywords: Boron; Deficiency; Nutrient interplay; Stress tolerance; Toxicity; Transporter.