Recent Progress in Plant Nutrition Research and Plant Physiology: 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second edition of the Topic “Recent Progress in Plant Nutrition Research and Plant Physiology”, available at https://www.mdpi.com/topics/454G9B9NQ1.

The optimum sustainable development of crops is dependent upon soil fertility, especially in terms of physical, chemical, and biological fertility. These aspects of soil work in harmony to promote beneficial interactions so as to ensure optimal plant nutrition, favoring physiological aspects and strengthening the antioxidant defense system and, consequently, crop productivity. Currently, there is evidence of advances in plant nutrition based on research involving nanotechnology, soil microbiology, the use of biostimulants (amino acids, hormones, silicon, selenium), biofortification, and the use of agricultural sensors to quickly assess the nutritional status of crops.

Prof. Dr. Cid Naudi Silva Campos
Prof. Dr. Renato De Mello Prado
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Plants plants	4.1	7.6	2012	16.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Horticulturae horticulturae	3.0	5.1	2015	16.7 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
International Journal of Plant Biology ijpb	-	3.0	2010	17 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Agronomy agronomy	3.4	6.7	2011	17 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Crops crops	1.9	2.4	2021	22.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Plants Horticulturae IJPB Agronomy Crops

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Open AccessArticle

Cluster Root Formation in Macadamia integrifolia Seedlings: Responses to Phosphorus and Variation Among Grafted Scions

by Kwanho Jeong, Suzy Rogiers, Abraham J. Gibson, Jos Mieog, Manisha Thapa, Tobias Kretzschmar, Bronwyn J. Barkla and Terry J. Rose

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030309 - 26 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Cluster roots enhance phosphorus (P) acquisition in macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), yet their development under different P levels and effects of different grafted scion/rootstock combinations are not well understood. This study examined cluster root formation in seedlings under varying soil P levels [...] Read more.

Cluster roots enhance phosphorus (P) acquisition in macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), yet their development under different P levels and effects of different grafted scion/rootstock combinations are not well understood. This study examined cluster root formation in seedlings under varying soil P levels and evaluated cluster root differences between two different rootstocks, each grafted with five different scions. Cluster roots first appeared at 42 days after planting (DAP), with low P promoting greater root number but without increasing biomass. High P application (800 mg P pot⁻¹) suppressed cluster root number by around 50%, corresponding to leaf P concentrations of ~1.05 mg g⁻¹. Scions and rootstocks influenced cluster root development, with the H2 rootstock supporting more cluster roots than Beaumont. These results show that cluster root formation in macadamia is modulated by both P availability and genetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Progress in Plant Nutrition Research and Plant Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 2028 KB  

Open AccessReview

Advances in Boron, Iron, Manganese, and Zinc Signaling, Transport, and Functional Integration for Enhancing Cotton Nutrient Efficiency and Yield—A Review

by Unius Arinaitwe, Dalitso Noble Yabwalo, Abraham Hangamaisho, Shillah Kwikiiriza and Francis Akitwine

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17010007 - 20 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Micronutrients, particularly boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), are pivotal for cotton (Gossypium spp.) growth, reproductive success, and fiber quality. However, their critical roles are often overlooked in fertility programs focused primarily on macronutrients. This review synthesizes recent advances [...] Read more.

Micronutrients, particularly boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), are pivotal for cotton (Gossypium spp.) growth, reproductive success, and fiber quality. However, their critical roles are often overlooked in fertility programs focused primarily on macronutrients. This review synthesizes recent advances in the physiological, molecular, and agronomic understanding of B, Fe, Mn, and Zn in cotton production. The overarching goal is to elucidate their impact on cotton nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Drawing from the peer-reviewed literature, we highlight how these micronutrients regulate essential processes, including photosynthesis, cell wall integrity, hormone signaling, and stress remediation. These processes directly influence root development, boll retention, and fiber quality. As a result, deficiencies in these micronutrients contribute to significant yield gaps even when macronutrients are sufficiently supplied. Key genes, including Boron Transporter 1 (BOR1), Iron-Regulated Transporter 1 (IRT1), Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1), Zinc-Regulated Transporter/Iron-Regulated Transporter-like Protein (ZIP), and Gossypium hirsutum Zinc/Iron-regulated transporter-like Protein 3 (GhZIP3), are crucial for mediating micronutrient uptake and homeostasis. These genes can be leveraged in breeding for high-yielding, nutrient-efficient cotton varieties. In addition to molecular hacks, advanced phenotyping technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq; a technology that measures gene expression at single-cell level, enabling the high-resolution analysis of cellular diversity and the identification of rare cell types), provide novel avenues for identifying nutrient-efficient genotypes and elucidating regulatory networks. Future research directions should include leveraging microRNAs, CRISPR-based gene editing, and precision nutrient management to enhance the use efficiency of B, Fe, Mn, and Zn. These approaches are essential for addressing environmental challenges and closing persistent yield gaps within sustainable cotton production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Progress in Plant Nutrition Research and Plant Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 2808 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Influence of the Antioxidant System in Eucalyptus Seedlings in the Face of Adequate Water Availability

by Ricardo Gava, Dthenifer Cordeiro Santana, Cid Naudi Silva Campos, Ana Carina da Silva Cândido Seron, Larissa Pereira Ribeiro Teodoro, Mayara Fávero Cotrim, Regimar Garcia dos Santos, Renato de Mello Prado, Rafael Felippe Ratke, Marcia Leticia Monteiro Gomes and Paulo Eduardo Teodoro

Plants 2025, 14(21), 3405; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213405 - 6 Nov 2025

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Abstract

The study of the relationship between water availability, photosynthetic behavior, flavonoid accumulation, and antioxidant response offers new perspectives for enhancing nursery practices, resulting in more vigorous eucalyptus seedlings that are tolerant and have greater potential for field establishment. Under the hypothesis that different [...] Read more.

The study of the relationship between water availability, photosynthetic behavior, flavonoid accumulation, and antioxidant response offers new perspectives for enhancing nursery practices, resulting in more vigorous eucalyptus seedlings that are tolerant and have greater potential for field establishment. Under the hypothesis that different eucalyptus genetic materials show contrasting responses to water availability in the soil–plant–atmosphere system, this study aims to evaluate the physiological behavior of clones subjected to different irrigation intervals, with an emphasis on the role of flavonoids as antioxidants in mitigating the effects of water stress. The experimental design was structured in strips containing five eucalyptus clones and irrigation with different watering intervals: 1, 2, 4, and 8 days. Evaluations of net photosynthesis, transpiration, and instantaneous water use efficiency were performed. In addition to the physiological assessments, the flavonoids daidzein, genistein, and genistin were determined. Clones C1, C2, and C3 excelled in photosynthesis and transpiration at 2- and 4-day intervals, while C1 and C2 maintained superior performance even at an 8-day interval. WUE was highest in C5 and increased with water stress, showing a quadratic fit in all clones. Regarding flavonoid production, C1 and C3 showed greater daidzein accumulation, with a quadratic response to the withdrawal interval. Genistein showed a linear reduction only in C2, while genistein increased in C1, peaking around 11 days. Eucalyptus clones exhibit distinct physiological and biochemical responses to variations in irrigation intervals. More frequent irrigation favors photosynthetic activity and transpiration, particularly in clones C1, C2, and C3, whereas longer irrigation intervals reduce these processes but enhance water use efficiency, especially in C5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Progress in Plant Nutrition Research and Plant Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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